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dwell

verb
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\ ˈdwel How to pronounce dwell (audio) \
dwelled\ ˈdweld How to pronounce dwell (audio) , ˈdwelt \ or dwelt\ ˈdwelt How to pronounce dwell (audio) \; dwelling

Definition of dwell

intransitive verb

1 : to remain for a time dwell in the hallway
2a : to live as a resident the town in which he dwelled for eight years the dwelling place of the gods
b : exist, lie where the heart of the matter dwells
3a : to keep the attention directed —used with on or upontried not to dwell on my fears
b : to speak or write insistently —used with on or uponreporters dwelling on the recent scandal
Other Words from dwell Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about dwell

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Other Words from dwell

dweller \ ˈdwe-​lər How to pronounce dwell (audio) \ noun

Examples of dwell in a Sentence

a cave where bats dwell dwelling with a farm family as an exchange student in France
Recent Examples on the Web But there’s no reason to dwell on worst-case scenarios right now, just like there’s no reason to doubt Jackson’s story, right? — Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, "NFL power rankings: Detroit Lions closing in on top-10 pick, don't pull a Paul Pierce," 15 Dec. 2020 The 49ers have ten long days before their next game, an eternity to dwell on not only two consecutive losses, but also the dismantling of their once competitive roster. — Ann Killion, SFChronicle.com, "Hell Week didn’t get any better for 49ers, who were blown out by Packers," 5 Nov. 2020 The lack of time to dwell on the loss to Northwestern is actually a blessing in disguise, according to junior inside linebacker Ayinde Eley. — Edward Lee, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland WR Jeshaun Jones emotional in first game in almost two years; Terps prepare for short week | NOTES," 26 Oct. 2020 But to dwell on her cruelty and the unfairness of the situation is to inflict further pain upon yourself. — Annie Lane, oregonlive, "Dear Annie Windchime racket irritates neighbor," 24 Oct. 2020 But to dwell on her cruelty and the unfairness of the situation is to inflict further pain upon yourself. — cleveland, "Dear Annie: My neighbor’s wind chimes are driving me nuts," 24 Oct. 2020 Despite his reluctance to dwell too much on policy in public, Biden’s platform is perhaps more detailed and carefully spelled out then the platforms of any of the candidates mentioned above. — Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, "The Capital Letter: Week of October 19," 23 Oct. 2020 In 2019, researchers recorded remarkably loud snapping sounds from small, mouth-fighting marine worms that dwell in glass sponges. — Sabrina Imbler, New York Times, "Could Listening to the Deep Sea Help Save It?," 10 Nov. 2020 Some Browns fans will dwell on Baker Mayfield missing a wide open Rashard Higgins with a wildly high pass in the end zone. — Terry Pluto, cleveland, "Take a deep breath: Browns win a game they should win. Record is 8-3! – Terry Pluto," 29 Nov. 2020

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

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First Known Use of dwell

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for dwell

Middle English, from Old English dwellan to go astray, hinder; akin to Old High German twellen to tarry

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Time Traveler for dwell

Time Traveler

The first known use of dwell was in the 13th century

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Statistics for dwell

Last Updated

9 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Dwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwell. Accessed 19 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for dwell

dwell

verb
How to pronounce dwell (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of dwell

literary + formal : to live in a particular place

See the full definition for dwell in the English Language Learners Dictionary

dwell

verb
\ ˈdwel How to pronounce dwell (audio) \
dwelt\ ˈdwelt \ or dwelled\ ˈdweld \; dwelling

Kids Definition of dwell

1 : to live in a place : reside
2 : to keep the attention directed Try not to dwell on your mistakes.

Other Words from dwell

dweller noun cave dwellers

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More from Merriam-Webster on dwell

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dwell

Nglish: Translation of dwell for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of dwell for Arabic Speakers

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