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homebound

1 American  
[hohm-bound] / ˈhoʊmˈbaʊnd /

adjective

  1. going home.

    homebound commuters.


homebound 2 American  
[hohm-bound] / ˈhoʊmˌbaʊnd /

adjective

  1. confined to one's home, especially because of illness.


Etymology

Origin of homebound1

First recorded in 1880–85; home + bound 4

Origin of homebound2

First recorded in 1880–85; home + bound 1

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.

See Examples For:

A second, even more fevered wave of studio construction took place during the pandemic, when homebound audiences sent streaming viewership soaring.

From The Wall Street Journal Dec. 16, 2025

It got to the point where even sitting became uncomfortable for Victoria, and she was largely homebound until her baby was born.

From BBC Nov. 13, 2025

Diaz noted that St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in South L.A. boasts a robust program that helps with food, clothing and medicine delivery for homebound individuals.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 24, 2025

A revival of urban population growth would signal that in spite of the headwinds—the lure of a homebound, digital-first life in the ’burbs—cities still offer a product that Americans want.

From Slate May 16, 2025

But she also felt reproved for her homebound boredom.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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