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

Brodeur’s project — which will create 48 dwelling units for veterans in Orlando — is definitely good news. —Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 July 2025

The compact dwelling maximizes its limited footprint with space-saving design, though still had to make some compromises. —New Atlas, 30 June 2025

The compact dwelling has double-pane windows and a sliding glass door for an open, airy feel, along with a spacious second-floor patio and back deck great for relaxing and entertaining. —Toni Sutton, People.com, 29 June 2025

San Diego capped the number of backyard apartments that can be built on single-family lots after a large backlash over accessory dwelling units, known as ADUs. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 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.