mansion
Americannoun
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a very large, impressive, or stately residence.
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British. Often mansions. a large building with many apartments; apartment house.
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Oriental and Medieval Astronomy. each of 28 divisions of the ecliptic occupied by the moon on successive days.
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Archaic. an abode or dwelling place.
noun
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Also called: mansion house. a large and imposing house
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a less common word for manor house
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archaic any residence
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(plural) a block of flats
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astrology any of 28 divisions of the zodiac each occupied on successive days by the moon
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of mansion
1325–75; Middle English < Latin mānsiōn- (stem of mānsiō ) an abiding, abode. See manse, -ion
Explanation
A mansion is a huge, fancy house. Some mansions are eventually turned into museums where you can get a look at an old wealthy family's art and furniture collections. It takes a lot of money and a staff of workers to live in and take care of a mansion. Historically, post-fifteenth century European noblemen lived in mansions that became the typical style of home for aristocrats who no longer required the safety of fortified castles. The word mansion comes from the Latin root mansionem, "a staying or a remaining," from the stem manere, "to stay."
Vocabulary lists containing mansion
American Street
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Dame Maggie Smith (1934–2024) Tribute List
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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.
Giving the Mansion House speech in central London, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed the prime minister's sentiments.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
ABC had aired a preseason special episode after the Oscars on Sunday, called “Before the First Rose,” in which nearly every previous Bachelorette gathered at the Bachelor Mansion to welcome Paul and give her advice.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026
Speaking to Mansion Global, Trowbridge explained the unique ownership.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026
Those interested in booking their nuptials at the Haunted Mansion can find more information at Disneyweddings.com.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026
At the Executive Mansion, the soldiers carried the president’s body in its temporary coffin to the second floor for an autopsy.
From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
