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

The County of San Diego’s director of planning and development services shared a determination last year that these tiny homes meet the definition of a dwelling in the county’s zoning ordinance. —Stacy Brandt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026

Spanning 2,260 square feet, the dwelling featured Vervoordt’s dreamlike minimalist style as seen in the home that Ye shared with his ex, Kim Kardashian, which was also designed by the Belgian architect. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026

There are bills in the works to limit the amount that local governments can tax on property (dwellings). —Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026

Ironically, the same molten lava that once devastated the island has both built it back up and kept these dwellings cool. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 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.