dwelling

noun

dwell·​ing ˈdwe-liŋ 

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

Synonyms

• 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

The minimum size for urban lots was reduced to 3,000 square feet, the minimum lot size required to add an accessory dwelling unit was also reduced, and the minimum lot required to build a townhouse went down to 1,500 square feet. —Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

In California, for example, the state is working to conserve more natural land while promoting the development of higher-density housing, such as apartment buildings and accessory dwelling units like tiny homes and backyard cottages. —Natalie Wu, CNBC, 25 July 2025

This friendly neighborhood competition led to a collection of unique dwellings with one-of-a-kind features, several of which remain in the Smiths’ property. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 17 July 2025

The precise location of the dwelling offers panoramic views in all four directions. —Bridget Borgobello july 16, New Atlas, 16 July 2025

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.