Synonyms

dwelling

American

[dwel-ing] / ˈdwɛl ɪŋ /

noun

a building or place of shelter to live in; place of residence; abode; home.

dwelling British

/ ˈdwɛlɪŋ /

noun

formal a place of residence

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See house.

Other Word Forms

multidwelling noun

Etymology

Origin of dwelling

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; dwell + -ing 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.

Following the “frightening” experience of being evacuated during the Eaton Fire in 2025, the “Fire Country” and “Rescue Me” actress applied the tactical knowledge she had acquired on set to safeguard the La Cañada dwelling.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Nevertheless, she maintains that the California dwelling, where she raised her children, will forever be her most beloved abode.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Marc, known to family and friends as “Tiger,” had been working to build an accessory dwelling unit at the family’s Santa Ana home, where he planned to live with Loera-Zarco and their newborn.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Ayewa doesn’t spend her energy dwelling on the shortcomings of the past or present, but instead insists that we all take action and work toward a better future.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

“So, gifts,” he said, recovering, though Sarai wouldn’t have minded dwelling for a moment on his hundred nicer things.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023