dwelling

noun

dwell·​ing ˈdwe-liŋ 

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

Synonyms of dwelling

• residence
• abode
• house
• roof
• lodging
• home
• housing

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 villas are complete with spacious infinity pools and gardens, as well as cave-like common areas and cozy bedroom-bathroom dwellings. — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026

The owner has subsequently been unable to occupy or rent the dwelling, and her only recourse has been to price it below market value and attempt to sell. — Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

Outside, a carport and a stone pond jutting from one side of the dwelling round out the plot, which measures in at just under an acre. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2026

From grand marble mansions to quaint wooden dwellings, many are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels, according to the WMF. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 30 June 2026

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

Rhymes for dwelling

• belling
• celling
• fehling
• felling
• gelling
• pelling
• quelling
• selling
• shelling
• smelling
• spelling
• swelling

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.