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

When the fund liquidates, the dividend dwelling is gone. — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

This compact one-bedroom dwelling is made from high-quality materials, including alloy steel that can stand up against harsh weather conditions, according to the listing. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

Among the manor’s other standout features is a 1980s-era Willy Rizzo brass-and-cognac leather dry bar, which is right at home in the dwelling’s setting of mountains and vineyards. — India Roby, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026

The instance allegedly occurred after a group of male models was invited to the contestants' temporary apartment in Italy, with Sullivan recalling that large amounts of alcohol were consumed at the small party inside the dwelling. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 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.