residency

noun

res·​i·​den·​cy ˈre-zə-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce residency (audio)
ˈrez-dən(t)-, 
ˈre-zə-ˌden(t)-
plural residencies
Synonyms of residencynext
1
a
: a usually official place of residence
b
: a state or period of residence
a 20-year residency in the city
2
: a territory in a protected state in which the powers of the protecting state are executed by a resident agent
3
a
: a period of advanced training in a medical specialty that normally follows graduation from medical school and licensing to practice medicine
c
: a period as an artist in residence

Examples of residency in a Sentence

You must meet the town's residency requirement in order to vote. a four-year residency in the country She recently completed her residency in pediatrics.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The band has also teamed with Superfan for VIP and travel experiences at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas for the residency run, with exclusives including fan activations, transportation and a dedicated Rush merch pop-up at the Fontainebleau. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2026 That seems likely to be the case with Rush, as just five shows would amount to more of a mini-residency by Sphere standards. — Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026 For five days next spring, part of Sin City will turn into Megadon when Rush move into the Sphere for a five-night residency. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2026 For 48-year-old Usher, that wave featured a Las Vegas residency that led to a Super Bowl halftime performance, his first solo album in eight years and a global arena tour. — Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 5 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for residency

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of residency was in 1579

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Residency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/residency. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

residency

noun
res·​i·​den·​cy ˈrez-əd-ən-sē How to pronounce residency (audio)
-ə-ˌden(t)-
plural residencies
1
a
: a usually official place of residence
b
: a state or period of residence
a four-year residency in the country
c
: residence sense 2b
applied for residency
2
a
: a period of advanced training especially in a medical specialty that typically follows graduation from medical school

Medical Definition

residency

noun
plural residencies
: a period of advanced medical training and education that normally follows graduation from medical school and licensing to practice medicine and that consists of supervised practice of a specialty in a hospital and in its outpatient department and instruction from specialists on the hospital staff

Legal Definition

residency

noun
plural residencies
1
: an often official place of residence
2
: the condition of being a resident of a particular place

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