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

An entry foyer flows into the three-story primary dwelling, which is highlighted by a fireside living room that opens to an alfresco lounging and entertaining deck, plus a kitchen sporting an eat-in island and a breakfast nook. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025

Through these stories, audiences learned to view extravagant dwellings as not just emblems of individual success but portals into a fantasy life. —Kim Hew-Low, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025

The project proposes that San Diego vacate a section of Soledad Avenue that was originally intended for street purposes and allow the lot to be developed with the new two-story house, a 1,205-square-foot basement and an attached 780-square-foot two-story accessory dwelling unit. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025

Like all Sierra Towers units, the dwelling comes with a fleet of amenities, including 24/7 security, valet parking, a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, and a steam room. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 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.