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

Allegations that Keeton and Pratt have a prior strike conviction for firing a weapon at an inhabited dwelling will be heard by Arguelles at the December sentencing hearing. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025

The documentary deliberately avoids a traditional narrative style, instead unfolding in a succession of powerful visual moments as well as scenes of the youngster with his aging grandparents at home in their very, very modest dwelling. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025

The house is small and modest but likely typical of the dwellings in a village like Nazareth at that time. —Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025

Roughly 20% of the children are considered impoverished, and nearly half the dwellings are mobile homes. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 28 Sep. 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.