dwelling

noun

dwell·​ing ˈdwe-liŋ 

: a shelter (such as a house) in which people live

Synonyms

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

Examples of dwelling in a Sentence

the simple dwellings in which the Pilgrims spent the first winter at Plymouth

Recent Examples on the Web

The technology could be applied to the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) opportunity that many cities are legalizing to provide more housing supply. —Jennifer Castenson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

The dwelling was initially listed for $30 million in January 2024 before the price bumped down to $28.5 million in May, and then $26 million in October. —India Roby, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2024

The dwelling is made of high-quality materials, including steel. —Toni Sutton, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024

Distinct yet complementary, each dwelling contains two bedrooms and two bathrooms in a little more than 1,250 square feet of two-level living space rife with a mix of terrazzo and cork floors, restored wood surfaces, nine-foot ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling walls of glass. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see dwell

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dwelling

• dwelling place
• lake dwelling
• two-family house/dwelling

Kids Definition

dwelling

noun

dwell·​ing

ˈdwel-iŋ

: a shelter in which people live : house

Legal Definition

dwelling

noun

dwell·​ing

: a structure where a person lives and especially sleeps

called also dwelling house

see also burglary

Note: Courts disagree as to how permanent or consistent the habitation of a structure must be in order for it to be considered a dwelling, but most courts agree that a dwelling includes its curtilage.