abode

noun

ə-ˈbōd 

1

: the place where one lives : home

were reluctant to leave their lifelong abode

Welcome to my humble abode.

2

: a temporary stay : sojourn

… if any such dares to continue his abode in a family where his coming was an unauthorized intrusion …

—Walter Scott

3

obsolete : wait, delay

Synonyms

• diggings
• domicile
• dwelling
• fireside
• habitation
• hearth
• hearthstone
• home
• house
• lodging
• pad
• place
• quarters
• residence
• roof

Examples of abode in a Sentence

welcome to my humble abode

Recent Examples on the Web

Known as Castillo de la Esperanza (Castle of Hope), the Mediterranean-style abode is now on the market for $5.5 million. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024

The Victorian-era abode is filled with natural light thanks to the ample floor-to-ceiling windows. —Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2024

The Miami Heat forward, 35, opened the doors to his massive abode located outside of San Diego during a video tour of the space with Architectural Digest. —Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024

The abode itself is surrounded by formal gardens, rolling pastures, and lush woodlands with 360-degree rural views. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abade, abode, from bade, bode "stay, delay" (going back to Old English bād "expectation, period of waiting," probably going back to Germanic *baiđ-, noun derivative from the base of *bīđ- "wait, bide") crossed with abiden "to abide"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing abode

• no fixed abode
• place of abode

Kids Definition

abode

noun

ə-ˈbōd 

: the place where one stays or lives

Legal Definition

abode

past and past participle of abide