habitation

noun

hab·​i·​ta·​tion ˌha-bə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of inhabiting : occupancy

not fit for human habitation

2

: a dwelling place

3

: settlement, colony

Synonyms of habitation

• occupancy
• occupation

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

The streamer has had a deal in place for nearly three months, through every Ellison shareholder agitation or Kennedy Center habitation. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026

The Social Circle location would be just one of 23 warehouses needing to be converted for human habitation. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026

Thomas was indicted for burglary of a habitation and could face 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. —Ginger Allen, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026

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

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

Rhymes for habitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

habitation

noun

hab·​i·​ta·​tion ˌhab-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of inhabiting : occupancy

2

: a dwelling place : residence

Legal Definition

habitation

noun

hab·​i·​ta·​tion ˌha-bə-ˈtā-shən 

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