cohabitation

noun

co·​hab·​i·​ta·​tion (ˌ)kō-ˌha-bə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce cohabitation (audio)
plural cohabitations
Synonyms of cohabitationnext
1
: the act or state of cohabiting especially as or as if husband and wife
Since 1970, cohabitation by unmarried couples has increased sevenfold.Elise Harris, Lingua Franca, November 2000
2
: coitus

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cohabitacioun, from Late Latin cohabitation-, cohabitatio, from cohabitatus (past participle of cohabitare) + -ion-, -io -ion

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cohabitation was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Cohabitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cohabitation. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

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