habit

¹ American  

[hab-it] / ˈhæb ɪt /

noun

1. an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary.

   the habit of looking both ways before crossing the street.

2. customary practice or use.

   Daily bathing is an American habit.

   Synonyms:

   wont, bent

3. a particular practice, custom, or usage.

   the habit of shaking hands.

4. a dominant or regular disposition or tendency; prevailing character or quality.

   She has a habit of looking at the bright side of things.

5. Often the habit addiction, especially to narcotics.

6. mental character or disposition.

   a habit of mind.

7. characteristic bodily or physical condition.

8. the characteristic form, aspect, mode of growth, etc., of an organism.

   a twining habit.

9. the characteristic crystalline form of a mineral.

10. garb of a particular rank, profession, religious order, etc..

    a monk's habit.

    Synonyms:

    costume, dress

11. the attire worn by a rider of a saddle horse.

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verb (used with object)

1. to clothe; array.

   Synonyms:

   deck out, attire, garb, dress

idioms

1. old habits die hard. see old habits die hard.

habit ² American  

[hab-it] / ˈhæb ɪt /

verb (used with object)

1. Archaic. to dwell in.

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verb (used without object)

1. Obsolete. to dwell.

habit British  

/ ˈhæbɪt /

noun

1. a tendency or disposition to act in a particular way

2. established custom, usual practice, etc

3. psychol a learned behavioural response that has become associated with a particular situation, esp one frequently repeated

4. mental disposition or attitude

   a good working habit of mind

5. 1. a practice or substance to which a person is addicted

      drink has become a habit with him

   2. the state of being dependent on something, esp a drug

6. botany zoology the method of growth, type of existence, behaviour, or general appearance of a plant or animal

   a climbing habit

   a burrowing habit

7. the customary apparel of a particular occupation, rank, etc, now esp the costume of a nun or monk

8. Also called: riding habit.  a woman's riding dress

9. crystallog short for crystal habit

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verb

1. to clothe

2. an archaic word for inhabit habituate

habit Scientific  

/ hăb′ĭt /

1. The characteristic shape of a crystal, such as the cubic habit that is characteristic of pyrite.

2. The characteristic manner of growth of a plant. For example, grape plants and ivy display a vining habit.

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habit More Idioms  

1. see kick a habit.

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Related Words

See custom.

Etymology

Origin of habit¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Latin habitus “state, style, practice,” equivalent to habi- (variant stem of habēre “to have”) + -tus verbal noun suffix; replacing Middle English abit, from Old French

Origin of habit²

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English habiten from Old French (h)abiter, from Latin habitāre “to wear habitually; inhabit; see habitat

Explanation

Any action that you perform regularly as part of your routine can be called a habit. Flossing your teeth would be considered a good habit. Sucking your thumb would be considered a bad habit, especially as an adult. On New Year's people always vow to break their bad habits, but bad habits die hard. The noun habit can also refer to an established custom — like the habit of breaking bread with your family every holiday. On a completely different note, clothing that is worn for horseback riding, or by a nun or monk, can also be called a habit. All good nuns should be in the habit of washing their habits.

Example Sentences

"It's less to do with freedom of speech and more about habit," activist Yulia Grekova explains.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Tilson Thomas made a habit of imploring his orchestras and audience members to trust him and “come inside the music,” and his talents and charismatic personality attracted attention and praise worldwide.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

The thing that promises a new habit, a new self.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

He says the key to staying fit is consistency - creating a habit of movement, building it into your lifestyle.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Too, she had long been in the habit of having a piece of buttered toast and marmalade at eleven o’clock in the morning and was sad to miss it.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• custom
• manner
• mode
• nature
• obsession
• pattern
• quirk
• routine
• style
• thing
• usage