Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for residential. Search instead for residental.
Synonyms

residential

American  
[rez-i-den-shuhl] / ˌrɛz ɪˈdɛn ʃəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to residence or to residences.

    a residential requirement for a doctorate.

  2. suited for or characterized by private residences.

    a residential neighborhood.


residential British  
/ ˌrɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl /

adjective

  1. suitable for or allocated for residence

    a residential area

  2. relating to or having residence

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of residential

1645–55; < Medieval Latin residenti ( a ) residence + -al 1

Explanation

In the same way that an “industrial area” is a place of industry where people work, a residential area is made up of houses and apartment buildings — places where people reside. Residential is an adjective that expresses a relationship with homes, apartments, or any place where people live. You might refer to a residential building, a residential neighborhood, or a residential block. Something that is deemed “for residential use” is designed for use at home or rather than for business or commercial use.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing residential

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.

Official statistics do not separate solar power on commercial buildings from residential installations.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The news agency said the attacks damaged construction sites, residential buildings and infrastructure.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

The Census Bureau reports residential construction data for April.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

State lawmakers are considering legislation that would exempt from taxation 50% of the residential property owned by a fully disabled veteran, or 100% if their household income does not exceed $40,000.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

Sometimes Story was focused on one area, like the first residential schools: where they were, what happened there, when they closed.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "residential" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com