cohabit

American  

[koh-hab-it] / koʊˈhæb ɪt /

verb (used without object)

1. to live together as if married, usually without legal or religious sanction.

2. to live together in an intimate relationship.

3. to dwell with another or share the same place, as different species of animals.

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cohabit British  

/ kəʊˈhæbɪt /

verb

1. (intr) to live together as husband and wife, esp without being married

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Other Word Forms

• cohabitant noun
• cohabitation noun
• cohabitee noun
• cohabiter noun
• noncohabitation noun

Etymology

Origin of cohabit

1520–30; < Late Latin cohabitāre, equivalent to co- co- + habitāre to have possession, abide (frequentative of habēre to have, own)

Explanation

The verb cohabit means to live together as if you are married. If you and your significant other are thinking of cohabiting, make sure all the chores are shared equally. The definition of the verb cohabit can include two different species living together in the same environment. If you enjoy animal stories, you should read some of the ones about animals cohabiting together. Sure, lots of dogs and cats cohabit the same space as their owners, but there was a dog that became best friends with an elephant and the two cohabited in a rescue park for years.

Example Sentences

A jarring clang of cruelty and playfulness cohabit in a single work.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2023

That in turn drew in wildcats, and, “Natural selection favored those wildcats that were able to cohabit with humans.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2023

You have the right to cohabit with someone who demonstrates the willingness to bathe — for your sake, if not for his own.

From Washington Post • Dec. 1, 2022

“Animals that wouldn’t normally cohabit are actually forced together because there is so little habitat.”

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2022

This meant not only that we were learning, in a real way, how to cohabit as a couple but also that Barack got to know my family in a more intimate way.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama