dwelling

noun

dwell·​ing ˈdwe-liŋ 

: a shelter (such as a house) in which people live

Synonyms of dwelling

• residence
• abode
• house
• roof
• lodging
• home
• housing

Examples of dwelling in a Sentence

the simple dwellings in which the Pilgrims spent the first winter at Plymouth

Recent Examples on the Web

Standing out inside the single-level primary dwelling, which is outfitted with high-tech Control4, Lutron, and Sonos systems, is a fireside living room sporting a wood-beam ceiling and large picture windows. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 4 Feb. 2026

Elderly residents who own a home but don’t drive or own a vehicle any longer would face higher taxes on their dwelling. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026

Why buy one of these pint-sized dwellings? —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026

Most landlords rent entire homes, but some convert spare rooms or accessory dwellings into monthly rentals. —Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see dwell

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dwelling

• dwelling place
• lake dwelling
• two-family house/dwelling

Rhymes for dwelling

• belling
• celling
• fehling
• felling
• gelling
• pelling
• quelling
• selling
• shelling
• smelling
• spelling
• swelling

Kids Definition

dwelling

noun

dwell·​ing

ˈdwel-iŋ

: a shelter in which people live : house

Legal Definition

dwelling

noun

dwell·​ing

: a structure where a person lives and especially sleeps

called also dwelling house

see also burglary

Note: Courts disagree as to how permanent or consistent the habitation of a structure must be in order for it to be considered a dwelling, but most courts agree that a dwelling includes its curtilage.