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

In 2002, she and Meyer moved into Ursa Major, an architectural landmark whose pool had an entrance in the living room floor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

A formal living room and dining room are on the first floor, as is the gorgeous kitchen with lots of shiny subway tile, marble counters, and an island with wine storage.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

The team behind it rebuilt Miley Stewart’s living room and rotating closet, with actual outfits from the show that Cyrus had kept in storage.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

His wife, the Rev. Raysa Vázquez, woke up every couple of hours and tended to Briany, sitting with her in the brown recliner in the living room, rocking her back to sleep.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Dr. Heemstra came back to the living room and the conversation rambled on.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• drawing room
• parlor
• salon
• sitting room