1
: to remain for a time
dwell in the hallway
2
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
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
Some species of amphibians have picked sides, however, and dwell exclusively in the water or on land.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
The cave spiders are genetically distinct from their surface-dwelling relatives — same species, different DNA.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Analysis showed the cave-dwelling spiders are genetically distinct from their surface-dwelling relatives — a discovery that surprised scientists.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
During the class, Renee didn’t explicitly dwell on the price drop, instead choosing to emphasize the highs.
—Bracey Harris, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dwell
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
The cave spiders are genetically distinct from their surface-dwelling relatives — same species, different DNA.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Analysis showed the cave-dwelling spiders are genetically distinct from their surface-dwelling relatives — a discovery that surprised scientists.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
During the class, Renee didn’t explicitly dwell on the price drop, instead choosing to emphasize the highs.
—Bracey Harris, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dwell
Cite this Entry
“Dwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwell. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
