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

The Minneapolis house where Prince’s character in Purple Rain resided has been transformed into a shrine for the singer and the iconic 1984 film, with the abode soon heading to AirBnb for fans to stay in. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2024

In fact, 7-year-old Abel Beck has become an asset in literally laying the groundwork for their new abode. —Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024

The Menendez family bought their Beverly Hills abode in 1988. —India Roby, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2024

While Paul — a contractor intent on paying off his debts and getting out of L.A. — believes selling the home will be the solution to his family’s problems, Lydia — a former concert pianist — is distraught by the idea of parting with the abode, a place with joyful memories but dark secrets. —EW.com, 24 Sep. 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