living room

American  

noun

1. a room in a home used, especially by a family, for leisure activities, entertaining guests, etc.; parlor.

2. Lebensraum.

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living room British  

noun

1. a room in a private house or flat used for relaxation and entertainment of guests

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Etymology

Origin of living room

First recorded in 1815–25

Compare meaning

How does living-room compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• great room vs. living room

Example Sentences

They are cutting back where they feel prices have risen too far—primarily the stuff that fills their closets, living room and garage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

"I thought I could have a piece of the Moon, somehow, touching someone's foot, somehow connected with my stepladder, somehow in my living room," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Upon entering the property, guests are greeted with an expansive living room that comes complete with a built-in bookshelf and a chic stone fireplace.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

The deep green living room sets a bold scene: a clock worthy of Dalí, leopard prints, pink Persian rugs, a snake ottoman and a thrifted tufted chair with Art Deco vibes from CB2.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

I slide off my sandals, adding them to the shoe collection, and the three of us head into the living room.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• drawing room
• parlor
• salon
• sitting room