dwell

verb

ˈdwel 

dwelled ˈdweld 

ˈdwelt

or dwelt ˈdwelt  ; dwelling

intransitive verb

1

: to remain for a time

dwell in the hallway

2

a

: to live as a resident

the town in which he dwelled for eight years

the dwelling place of the gods

b

: exist, lie

where the heart of the matter dwells

3

a

: to keep the attention directed

—used with on or upon

tried not to dwell on my fears

b

: to speak or write insistently

—used with on or upon

reporters dwelling on the recent scandal

dweller

ˈdwe-lər 

noun

Synonyms

• abide
• hang around
• remain
• stay
• stick around
• tarry

Examples of dwell in a Sentence

a cave where bats dwell

dwelling with a farm family as an exchange student in France

Recent Examples on the Web

The goal isn’t to dwell on the negative but to equip yourself with an accurate picture of the industry’s trajectory. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

In Minnesota, each dwelling unit must have its own meter for electricity. —Gina Lee Castro, Journal Sentinel, 2 Dec. 2024

Add-on options include computer coverage, sump pump backup coverage, and dwelling replacement coverage. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2024

Joey Bosa, Mack’s fellow outside linebacker, said there was no sense dwelling on the past beyond working to correct all that went wrong during the Chargers’ 30-23 loss to the Ravens. —Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English dwellan to go astray, hinder; akin to Old High German twellen to tarry

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dwell

• dwell on/upon

Kids Definition

dwell

verb

ˈdwel 

dwelled ˈdweld  ˈdwelt  or dwelt ˈdwelt  ; dwelling

1

: to stay for a while

2

: to live in a place : reside

3

: to keep the attention directed

dwelled on their mistakes

dweller noun