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 mixed-use zone allows for up to 73 dwelling units per acre. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2024

When a person enters a dwelling unlawfully—which is trespassing—with an intent to commit a crime, that elevates the crime of trespassing to burglary, which is a felony. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 6 June 2024

For now, the housing market is still in its traditional spring selling season, when Americans typically shop for homes while families try to secure a new dwelling before the start of the next school year. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 2 June 2024

There’s plenty of room to build a pool or accessory dwelling unit, or ADU. —David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 28 May 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.