cohabit

verb co·hab·it \ (ˌ)kō-ˈha-bət \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of cohabit

intransitive verb

1 : to live together as or as if a married couple

They cohabited in a small apartment.

2 a : to live together or in company

buffaloes cohabiting with crossbred cows
—Biol. Abstracts

b : to exist together

… two strains in his philosophy … cohabit in each of his major works.
—Justus Buchler

So riches seemed to provoke their own discomfort, and affluence cohabited with anxiety.
—Simon Schama

—

cohabitant

play \(ˌ)kō-ˈha-bə-tənt\ noun

—

cohabitation

play \(ˌ)kō-ˌha-bə-ˈtā-shən\ noun

See cohabit defined for English-language learners

See cohabit defined for kids

Examples of cohabit in a Sentence

They cohabited in a small apartment in the city.

Recent Examples of cohabit from the Web

Research strongly suggests that humans who cohabit with pets — especially dogs and cats — live longer.

— denise davidson, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Local veterinarian shares stories of unforgettable patients," 8 Apr. 2018
At a time when many of their contemporaries either hid their homosexuality or would say nothing about it, Bergé and Saint Laurent were cohabiting on the Rue de Babylone and entertaining le tout Paris.

— james mcauley, Town & Country, "Was Pierre Bergé the Most Powerful Man In France?," 8 Sep. 2017
Current policy also states the district would not hire the spouse or cohabiting significant other of the superintendent.

— emma kate fittes, Indianapolis Star, "Carmel Schools looks to restrict romantic relationships after superintendent resignation," 20 Mar. 2018
Currently, Carmel Schools' policy sets boundaries only for married or cohabiting couples, stating they are not permitted to have direct authority over one another.

— emma kate fittes, Indianapolis Star, "Carmel Schools looks to restrict romantic relationships after superintendent resignation," 20 Mar. 2018
Board policy doesn't directly address this kind of relationship but states that married or cohabiting couples are not permitted to have direct authority over one another.

— emma kate fittes, Indianapolis Star, "Carmel Clay HR director continues to make six-figure salary while on leave," 31 Oct. 2017
At least one American and one Russian have been cohabiting within the confines of the 13,696-cubic-feet orbiting laboratory since November 2, 2000 — six days before George W. Bush was elected to office.

— hanna krueger, NBC News, "In Space, U.S. and Russia Friendship Untethered," 30 Sep. 2017
Nearly 70% of men who are married or cohabiting make more money than their partner.

— ashley may, USA TODAY, "Americans are still judging a man by his paycheck," 20 Sep. 2017
Perhaps the biggest innovation has been Craig’s uncanny eye for assimilating animals into cohabiting groups.

— National Geographic, "An Unlikely Home for Rescued Lions, Tigers, and Bears," 25 Apr. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cohabit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cohabit

Late Latin cohabitare, from Latin co- + habitare to inhabit, from frequentative of habēre to have — more at give

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1530

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COHABIT Defined for English Language Learners

cohabit

verb

Definition of cohabit for English Language Learners

: to live together and have a sexual relationship

Law Dictionary

cohabit

intransitive verb co·hab·it \ kō-ˈha-bət \

legal Definition of cohabit

: to live together as a married couple or in the manner of a married couple

—

cohabitation

play \kō-ˌha-bə-ˈtā-shən\ noun

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See words that rhyme with cohabit Spanish Central: Translation of cohabit Nglish: Translation of cohabit for Spanish speakers

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cohabit

Definition of cohabit

cohabitant

cohabitation

Examples of cohabit in a Sentence

Recent Examples of cohabit from the Web

Origin and Etymology of cohabit

COHABIT Defined for English Language Learners

cohabit

Definition of cohabit for English Language Learners

Law Dictionary

cohabit

legal Definition of cohabit

cohabitation

Learn More about cohabit

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cohabitant

cohabitation

Examples of cohabit in a Sentence

Recent Examples of cohabit from the Web

Origin and Etymology of cohabit

COHABIT Defined for English Language Learners

cohabit

Definition of cohabit for English Language Learners

Law Dictionary

cohabit

legal Definition of cohabit

cohabitation

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