domestic
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to the home, the household, household affairs, or the family.
domestic pleasures.
-
devoted to home life or household affairs.
-
no longer wild; domesticated; tame.
domestic animals.
-
of or relating to one's own or a particular country as apart from other countries.
domestic trade.
-
indigenous to or produced or made within one's own country; not foreign; native.
domestic goods.
noun
-
a hired household servant.
-
something produced or manufactured in one's own country.
-
domestics, household items made of cloth, as sheets, towels, and tablecloths.
adjective
-
of or involving the home or family
-
enjoying or accustomed to home or family life
-
(of an animal) bred or kept by man as a pet or for purposes such as the supply of food
-
of, produced in, or involving one's own country or a specific country
domestic and foreign affairs
noun
-
a household servant
-
informal (esp in police use) an incident of violence in the home, esp between a man and a woman
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of domestic
First recorded in 1515–25; from Latin domesticus, derivative of domus “house” ( see dome); replacing domestique, from Middle French
Explanation
Domestic generally means relating to someone's family, home, or home country. Domestic work is work done in the home — a domestic is someone who works in a home, such as a nanny or a maid. Domestic is also used to refer to products that are produced in your country, or policies and affairs that relate to your country. And domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, are used to living with people. Domestic derives from Middle English, from Old French domestique, from Latin domesticus, from domus, "house."
Vocabulary lists containing domestic
List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Preamble to the U.S. Constitution (1787)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"On Women's Right to Vote" by Susan B. Anthony
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Changes in population totals stem from three factors: domestic moves, international migration, and the balance of births and deaths.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026
Simply an unsettled, unsatisfying campaign after the glory of Newcastle's first domestic trophy in 70 years when they won the 2025 Carabao Cup.
From BBC • May 25, 2026
At the same time, information gained through cancer trials involving domestic cats could help guide future human clinical research.
From Science Daily • May 24, 2026
The soccer tournament, which has sold more than 5 million tickets so far, has historically triggered a surge of international and domestic tourism and infused host cities with an economic boost.
From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026
Several were even provisioned with a broom—a cozy, domestic touch.
From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
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.
