habitat

noun

hab·​i·​tat ˈha-bə-ˌtat How to pronounce habitat (audio)
1
a
: the place or environment where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives and grows
b
: the typical place of residence of a person or a group
the arctic habitat of the Inuit
c
: a housing for a controlled physical environment in which people can live under surrounding inhospitable conditions (as under the sea)
2
: the place where something is commonly found
has its natural habitat in university, in government, or in industrial laboratoriesB. B. Watson

Examples of habitat in a Sentence

a forest in California is set aside to preserve the unique brushy, rugged habitat required by nesting California condors
Recent Examples on the Web Specializing in Scandi-chic interiors and hygge habitats, the hotel features wood paneling and flooring, leather furniture draped in fur, midcentury lighting, and a gas fireplace. Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2024 The plan focuses on improving the monitoring and observation of the species, documenting the genetic diversity of the local population, creating awareness about conserving the bird, and working with urban planning authorities to protect habitat. Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2024 Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center This Marriott property in Kissimmee that's famous for its annual holiday events, incredible gardens, and animal habitats housed inside a 4.5-acre glass atrium also delivers big on water park fun. Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2024 Volunteers are trained to assist biologists and wildlife officers, respond to calls for help from residents encountering wildlife issues, habitat conservation, proctoring licensing examinations for falconry and trapping as well as Hunter Education classes. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2024 The efforts include restoring wetlands to create more habitat along the Sacramento River, and cooperating with the Winnemem Wintu Tribe to reintroduce salmon upstream of Shasta Dam. State and federal scientists have also been trying to address a deficiency of thiamine that is harming salmon. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024 Understanding Conservation Easement Deductions Conservation easements serve as a pivotal mechanism for preserving natural habitats and valuable landscapes by limiting the type and scope of development that can occur on a property. Jessica Ledingham, J.d., Ll.m., Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024 Shrinking flocks Joe Siegrist, president of the Purple Martin association, said the decline is due to a combination of factors: loss of nesting habitat, competition with invasive species, climate change and decreasing prey availability. Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 28 Mar. 2024 The biodiversity law, if passed, set a lofty target for member nations of the EU to flip 30% of the region’s habitat that’s in poor condition by 2030. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 26 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'habitat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, it inhabits, from habitare

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of habitat was in 1796

Dictionary Entries Near habitat

Cite this Entry

“Habitat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habitat. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

habitat

noun
hab·​i·​tat ˈhab-ə-ˌtat How to pronounce habitat (audio)
: the place or type of place where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives or grows

Medical Definition

habitat

noun
hab·​i·​tat ˈhab-ə-ˌtat How to pronounce habitat (audio)
1
: the place or environment where a plant or animal naturally occurs
the human pubic region is the natural habitat of the crab louse
2
: a housing for a controlled physical environment in which people can live surrounded by inhospitable conditions (as under the sea)

More from Merriam-Webster on habitat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!