residence

noun

res·​i·​dence ˈre-zə-dən(t)s 

ˈrez-dən(t)s,

ˈre-zə-ˌden(t)s

1

a

: the act or fact of dwelling in a place for some time

b

: the act or fact of living or regularly staying at or in some place for the discharge of a duty or the enjoyment of a benefit

2

a(1)

: the place where one actually lives as distinguished from one's domicile or a place of temporary sojourn

(2)

: domicile sense 2a

b

: the place where a corporation is actually or officially established

c

: the status of a legal resident

3

a

: a building used as a home : dwelling

b

: housing or a unit of housing provided for students

4

a

: the period or duration of abode in a place

b

: a period of active and especially full-time study, research, or teaching at a college or university

Phrases

in residence

: engaged to live and work at a particular place often for a specified time

poet in residence at a university

Synonyms

• abode
• diggings
• domicile
• dwelling
• fireside
• habitation
• hearth
• hearthstone
• home
• house
• lodging
• pad
• place
• quarters
• roof

Examples of residence in a Sentence

He recently ended his residence at the apartment complex.

They were granted residence in this country.

Recent Examples on the Web

When the production version of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 was unveiled at the iconic Sheats-Goldstein residence in Beverly Hills, California in 2024, the fast-moving brand’s style sense was on full display. —Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

There’s a touch of whimsy to this cottage-style residence in Reisterstown, as though the builder chuckled all through its construction on a quiet cul-de-sac near Liberty Reservoir. —Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025

The residences boast full kitchens, gas fireplaces, oversized closets, private patios, and hot tubs; one of the villas, a four-bedroom, four-bath sanctuary, also has a sauna. —Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2025

In an engagement that’s already sold out, on Oct. 18 fans will be able to tour the house in Everett, Washington that served as the Palmer residence in the series, with Lee, Wise and property owner Mary Reber, who played Alice Tremond, telling stories from the series and Fire Walk With Me. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing residence

• hall of residence
• residence hall
• residence time
• take up residence

Kids Definition

residence

noun

res·​i·​dence ˈrez-əd-ən(t)s 

-ə-ˌden(t)s

1

: the act or state of living or working continuously in a place

physicians in residence in a hospital

residence abroad

2

a

: the place where one lives

b

: the status of a legal resident

3

a

: the period during which a person resides in a place

b

: a period of actual study, research, or teaching at a college or university

Legal Definition

residence

noun

res·​i·​dence ˈre-zə-dəns 

1

: the act or fact of living in a place

2

a

: the place where one actually lives as distinguished from a domicile or place of temporary sojourn

a person can have more than one residence but only one domicile

Note: A distinction is usually maintained between domicile and residence based on the relative permanency of a domicile and the intent to make it a principal place of abode. In some contexts, however, such as for determining proper venue domicile and residence are used as synonyms. Similarly residence and domicile are sometimes used as synonyms with regard to the place of incorporation of a business.

b

: a place in which a corporation does business or is licensed to do business

3

: the status of a resident

4

: dwelling