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

Attendees can sign up for a walking tour of bird habitat areas at the dry Owens Lake.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the federal government, that additional space will increase supplies for about 2 million people, more than 1 million acres of farmland, and wetlands in the Central Valley that provide critical habitat for birds and other wildlife.

From Los Angeles Times

“We’ve invested more than 20 years in understanding the natural history of this fascinating species of nudibranch. Our discovery is a new piece of the puzzle that can help better understand the largest habitat on Earth.”

From Los Angeles Times

Immigration is a battle for habitat and species.

From Salon

“Every little patch of dirt can be a wildlife habitat,” Tilford says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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