living room

American  

noun

1. a room in a home used, especially by a family, for leisure activities, entertaining guests, etc.; parlor.

2. Lebensraum.

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living room British  

noun

1. a room in a private house or flat used for relaxation and entertainment of guests

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Etymology

Origin of living room

First recorded in 1815–25

Compare meaning

How does living-room compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• great room vs. living room

Example Sentences

“The front entry opens to the living room, immediately setting the stage with sophisticated architecture and soaring ceilings. The home includes a family room, formal dining room, and a sprawling kitchen,” the listing reads.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

I’m in the living room with his homie, playing NBA 2 K, nervous.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

During the discovery of the 250 poodle-cross dogs, a rescuer took a "shocking" image - showing dozens of the dogs crammed into a living room.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Kristi Buckley was at work when a security camera aimed out her living room window pinged her phone: The neighbor’s house is on fire.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

I avoided the eyes of the guards along the route, guilty as a well-trained dog discovered on the living room sofa.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• drawing room
• parlor
• salon
• sitting room