habitat

[ hab-i-tat ]

noun

1. the natural environment of an organism; the place that is natural for the life and growth of an organism:

   Orchids have a tropical habitat.

2. the place where a person or thing is usually found:

   Paris is a major habitat of artists.

3. a special environment for living in over an extended period, as an underwater research vessel.
4. habitation ( def 1 ).

habitat

/ ˈhæbɪˌtæt /

noun

1. the environment in which an animal or plant normally lives or grows
2. the place in which a person, group, class, etc, is normally found

habitat

/ hăb′ĭ-tăt′ /

1. The area or natural environment in which an organism or population normally lives. A habitat is made up of physical factors such as soil, moisture, range of temperature, and availability of light as well as biotic factors such as the availability of food and the presence of predators. A habitat is not necessarily a geographic area—for a parasitic organism it is the body of its host or even a cell within the host's body.

habitat

1. The area or type of environment in which a particular kind of animal or plant usually lives.

Word History and Origins

Origin of habitat¹

First recorded in 1755–65; from Latin: “it inhabits,” 3rd person singular present indicative of habitāre “to inhabit, dwell, live,” frequentative of habēre “to have, hold”

Word History and Origins

Origin of habitat¹

C18: from Latin: it inhabits, from habitāre to dwell, from habēre to have

Synonym Study

See ecosystem ( def ).

Example Sentences

There are also many environmental problems from growing the sugar, like habitat and biodiversity loss and water pollution from fertilizers and mills.

From Salon

The main causes are the loss of habitat and food in landscapes shaped by humans as well as a high number of direct or indirect incidents of poisoning.

From Science Daily

While the Israeli government might suggest that this is nature reclaiming old habitat, much of this process is unnatural and predates the ongoing war in Gaza.

From Salon

The geologically unique area is a spiritual center for the Pit River and Modoc tribes and serves as habitat for protected species, including the bald eagle and northern spotted owl.

From Los Angeles Times

"Earlier studies have shown that Aboriginal communities on the Australian mainland used fire to shape their habitats, but we haven't had similarly detailed environmental records for Tasmania."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• cave
• dwelling
• environment
• haven
• nest
• surroundings
• terrain
• territory