house

Main Entry:: ¹house
Pronunciation:: \ˈhau̇s\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural hous·es \ˈhau̇-zəz also -səz\
Usage:: often attributive
Etymology:: Middle English hous, from Old English hūs; akin to Old High German hūs house
Date:: before 12th century

1: a building that serves as living quarters for one or a few families : home2 a (1): a shelter or refuge (as a nest or den) of a wild animal (2): a natural covering (as a test or shell) that encloses and protects an animal or a colony of zooids b: a building in which something is housed <a carriage house>3 a: one of the 12 equal sectors in which the celestial sphere is divided in astrology b: a zodiacal sign that is the seat of a planet's greatest influence4 a: household b: a family including ancestors, descendants, and kindred <the house of Tudor>5 a: a residence for a religious community or for students b: the community or students in residence6 a: a legislative, deliberative, or consultative assembly; especially : one constituting a division of a bicameral body b: the building or chamber where such an assembly meets c: a quorum of such an assembly7 a: a place of business or entertainment <a movie house> b (1): a business organization <a publishing house> (2): a gambling establishment c: the audience in a theater or concert hall <a full house on opening night>8: the circular area 12 feet in diameter surrounding the tee and within which a curling stone must rest in order to count9[from The Warehouse, Chicago dance club that pioneered the style] : a type of dance music mixed by a disc jockey that features overdubbing with a heavy repetitive drumbeat and repeated electronic melody lines

— house·ful

\ˈhau̇s-ˌfu̇l\ noun

— house·less

\ˈhau̇-sləs\ adjective

— house·less·ness noun

— on the house

: without charge : free

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