housing

1 of 2

noun (1)

hous·​ing ˈhau̇-ziŋ 

1

a

: shelter, lodging

b

: dwellings provided for people

2

a

: a niche for a sculpture

b

: the space taken out of a structural member (such as a timber) to admit the insertion of part of another

3

: something that covers or protects: such as

a

: a case or enclosure (as for a mechanical part or an instrument)

b

: a casing (such as an enclosed bearing) in which a shaft revolves

c

: a support (such as a frame) for mechanical parts

housing

2 of 2

noun (2)

: caparison sense 1

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• armor
• capsule
• case
• casing
• cocoon
• cover
• covering
• encasement
• hull
• husk
• jacket
• pod
• sheath
• shell

Examples of housing in a Sentence

Noun (1)

a camera with a waterproof housing for taking pictures of coral reefs and other underwater features

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Fort Worth Star-Telegram Jaime covers growth in and around Fort Worth, with a focus on transportation, infrastructure, and housing issues. —Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2025

Impact funds channel capital into ventures that drive social or environmental change—such as renewable energy or affordable housing. —Anushree Jain, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Housing Collaborative, another nonprofit, is working with tenants to find permanent housing. —Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2025

This is not the first time CHA approved housing for residents who then were later diagnosed with lead poisoning. —Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English, from house housing (from Anglo-French huce, houce, of Germanic origin) + -ing; akin to Middle High German hulft covering

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing housing

• housing development
• housing estate
• housing project
• housing starts
• housing stock
• low-income housing
• social housing

Kids Definition

housing

1 of 2 noun

hous·​ing

ˈhau̇-ziŋ

1

a

: the shelter of a temporary or permanent structure (as a tent or house) : lodging

b

: dwellings provided for people

housing for the elderly

2

a

: something that covers or protects

b

: a support (as a frame) for mechanical parts

housing

2 of 2 noun

: caparison sense 1