habitation

noun

hab·​i·​ta·​tion ˌha-bə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce habitation (audio)
Synonyms of habitationnext
1
: the act of inhabiting : occupancy
not fit for human habitation
2
: a dwelling place
3

Examples of habitation in a Sentence

The house was not fit for human habitation. a wilderness area with few habitations
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The population of people living outside, in their cars or in other places not meant for human habitation rose by 45% from 2024 to 2025. Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026 Russell Cave National Monument Alabama’s cavernous archaeological site contains an exceptionally complete record of human habitation dating back more than 10,000 years, and is entirely closed to the public as a result of the winter storm. Owen Clarke, Outside, 26 Jan. 2026 Staff determined the structure is not a homeless encampment and shows no signs of human habitation. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026 As Ars Technica reports, space startup Vast has opted to build a smaller and more feasible interim station, dubbed Haven-1, which will serve as the precursor for much larger outposts capable of continuous habitation in the more distant future. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for habitation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English habitacioun, from Anglo-French habitaciun, from Latin habitation-, habitatio, from habitare to inhabit, frequentative of habēre

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of habitation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Habitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habitation. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

habitation

noun
hab·​i·​ta·​tion ˌhab-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce habitation (audio)
1
: the act of inhabiting : occupancy
2
: a dwelling place : residence

Legal Definition

habitation

noun
hab·​i·​ta·​tion ˌha-bə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce habitation (audio)
1
a
: the act of occupying or inhabiting
b
in the civil law of Louisiana : the right of a person to dwell in the house of another
2
: a dwelling place

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