abode

noun

ə-ˈbōd 

1

: the place where one lives : home

were reluctant to leave their lifelong abode

Welcome to my humble abode.

2

: a temporary stay : sojourn

… if any such dares to continue his abode in a family where his coming was an unauthorized intrusion …

—Walter Scott

3

obsolete : wait, delay

Synonyms

• diggings
• domicile
• dwelling
• fireside
• habitation
• hearth
• hearthstone
• home
• house
• lodging
• pad
• place
• quarters
• residence
• roof

Examples of abode in a Sentence

welcome to my humble abode

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2020, the iconic Mediterranean-style abode became available for short-term vacations and special events. —Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 12 July 2024

This curvaceous abode in Texas, dubbed The Sand Dollar House, could make that dream a reality. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 12 July 2024

In the seven years since rock icon Tom Petty tragically died at age 66, fans have had several chances to scoop up a piece of his real estate portfolio—though this might be the last (and the most lavish abode). —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2024

This 5-star beachfront Art Deco abode — where F. Scott Fitzgerald reportedly partied with Ernest Hemingway — boasts one of the world’s oldest water skiing schools. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abade, abode, from bade, bode "stay, delay" (going back to Old English bād "expectation, period of waiting," probably going back to Germanic *baiđ-, noun derivative from the base of *bīđ- "wait, bide") crossed with abiden "to abide"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing abode

• no fixed abode
• place of abode

Kids Definition

abode

noun

ə-ˈbōd 

: the place where one stays or lives

Legal Definition

abode

past and past participle of abide