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

Accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, owners will pay a fee of about $3,000 if a new or separate sewer connection is required and the ADU is detached and constructed with a new single-family dwelling. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026

The dwelling comes complete with multiple spaces to lounge, sit fireside, and dine alfresco. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2026

At one point, Grogu builds a hut that greatly resembles Yoda’s famous Dagobah dwelling. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026

Bigelow was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling, and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. —Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 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.