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Synonyms

dwelling

American  
[dwel-ing] / ˈdwɛl ɪŋ /

noun

  1. a building or place of shelter to live in; place of residence; abode; home.


dwelling British  
/ ˈdwɛlɪŋ /

noun

  1. formal a place of residence

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See house.

Other Word Forms

  • multidwelling noun

Etymology

Origin of dwelling

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; dwell + -ing 1

Explanation

A dwelling is a home — where someone lives. Houses, apartments, and condos are all dwellings. If you know that to dwell means to live somewhere, then the meaning of dwelling won't be a surprise: it's an abode, domicile, or home. Your dwelling might be a house or an apartment. Tents, trailers, and igloos are all dwellings. Anything people live in is a dwelling. If you have no dwelling, then you have no shelter and you're probably homeless.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing dwelling

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to property records, Trainor initially listed the seven-bedroom, 7.5-bathroom dwelling for $11.99 million in June 2024.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

Jailing Garner, Judge Brian Cummings KC said: "The suffering experienced by Mr McColl was quite unspeakable and really does not bear dwelling on."

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

The 32-year-old comedian had purchased the four-bedroom, three-bath dwelling in 2023 for $1.95 million.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

The dwelling offers exclusive access to “one of the most private and coveted beaches in Malibu,” as well as spectacular views of the ocean courtesy of its perch atop a cliffside.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

We still get to keep it since officially it’s the designated dwelling of my mother and sister.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins