mansion
Americannoun
-
a very large, impressive, or stately residence.
-
British. Often mansions. a large building with many apartments; apartment house.
-
Oriental and Medieval Astronomy. each of 28 divisions of the ecliptic occupied by the moon on successive days.
-
Archaic. an abode or dwelling place.
noun
-
Also called: mansion house. a large and imposing house
-
a less common word for manor house
-
archaic any residence
-
(plural) a block of flats
-
astrology any of 28 divisions of the zodiac each occupied on successive days by the moon
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of mansion
1325–75; Middle English < Latin mānsiōn- (stem of mānsiō ) an abiding, abode. See manse, -ion
Explanation
A mansion is a huge, fancy house. Some mansions are eventually turned into museums where you can get a look at an old wealthy family's art and furniture collections. It takes a lot of money and a staff of workers to live in and take care of a mansion. Historically, post-fifteenth century European noblemen lived in mansions that became the typical style of home for aristocrats who no longer required the safety of fortified castles. The word mansion comes from the Latin root mansionem, "a staying or a remaining," from the stem manere, "to stay."
Vocabulary lists containing mansion
American Street
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!
Dame Maggie Smith (1934–2024) Tribute List
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!
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.
The Sunday Times reported that George Cottrell, a 32-year-old crypto entrepreneur from an aristocratic family, rents a mansion near Buckingham Palace where Farage has stayed.
From Barron's • Jul. 5, 2026
Picture a black-and-white shot of a wintry mansion where a Minion lies dying in an upstairs bedroom.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026
Although, Jenner has removed her concrete mansion from the market, the TV personality is still attempting to sell her longtime Hidden Hills property, which she listed in March for $20.25 million.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 30, 2026
For years, the 34-room stone mansion at 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa was a fire trap.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
Four days after the carriage accident, Lincoln walked from the White House to Seward’s big brick mansion nearby to check on Seward.
From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson
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.
