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housebound

American  
[hous-bound] / ˈhaʊsˌbaʊnd /

adjective

  1. restricted to the house, as by bad weather or illness.


housebound British  
/ ˈhaʊsˌbaʊnd /

adjective

  1. unable to leave one's house because of illness, injury, etc

"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

Etymology

Origin of housebound

First recorded in 1875–80; house + -bound 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.

See Examples For:

The series quickly found a following among budget-conscious cooks, and became even more popular during the pandemic when the housebound masses had few options besides cooking at home.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 28, 2025

In addition to the migraines, Chesson developed heart arrhythmias and severe sensitivity to lights, sound and everyday chemicals that have kept her largely housebound.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 14, 2025

Mr Taylor said losing his mobility had turned his life "upside down" as he is unable to work and is "nigh-on housebound."

From BBC Feb. 10, 2025

"I was very ill for a long time and I was housebound," she said.

From BBC Nov. 25, 2024

For days on end they were virtually housebound, venturing out only to coal-bins or right next door for the trading of vital foodstuffs.

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison

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