reside
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to dwell permanently or for a considerable time.
She resides at 15 Maple Street.
-
(of things, qualities, etc.) to abide, lie, or be present habitually; exist or be inherent (usually followed byin ).
-
to rest or be vested, as powers, rights, etc. (usually followed byin ).
verb
-
to live permanently or for a considerable time (in a place); have one's home (in)
he now resides in London
-
(of things, qualities, etc) to be inherently present (in); be vested (in)
political power resides in military strength
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reside
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English residen, from Middle French resider, from Latin residēre “to remain seated, rest, settle,” literally, “to sit back,” from re- re- + -sidēre, combining form of sedēre “to sit”; see also sit 1
Explanation
The place where you live — whether house, hotel, or mobile home — is where you reside. The President of the United States resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, in a little shack called the White House. You can also use reside to refer to the community where you make your home. You may reside in a particular neighborhood, town, or city. The verb reside can also mean to exist as an inherent quality. For example: "The ability to create laws resides in the legislative branch of the government — in this case, Congress."
Vocabulary lists containing reside
Mahatma Gandhi's "Quit India" Speech
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!
The Monroe Doctrine (1823)
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!
"Hip-Hop as Culture" and "I Am Somebody"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
“We wish it were under different circumstances, but we are honored to care for you while you reside in our beautiful state.”
From Slate • May 14, 2026
Of the first-place teams in the six divisions, four reside in small markets: Cleveland, San Diego, Tampa Bay and Sacramento/Las Vegas.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
Several seasons reside on Hulu, with many others streaming on PBS.org and on the service’s app, as well as YouTube.
From Salon • May 2, 2026
The fact that the overwhelming percentage of unicorns reside in the United States is not an accident.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026
How am I supposed to know which two great beasts reside in the Atlantic Ocean?
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
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.
