residential
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to residence or to residences.
a residential requirement for a doctorate.
-
suited for or characterized by private residences.
a residential neighborhood.
adjective
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suitable for or allocated for residence
a residential area
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relating to or having residence
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of residential
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.
Vocabulary lists containing residential
Out of My Mind
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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.
Thousands of Russian workers have spent years building and installing equipment, with a residential complex, shops and restaurants springing up around them.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026
Newham Council told the BBC Jean had been offered "extensive support", including 24-hour-a-day help in a residential mother and baby unit.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
The main residential parcel encompasses approximately 4.2 acres, offering sweeping water views and plenty of privacy.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026
Farther east, debris from an intercepted missile has fallen in a residential area.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026
She drove on again and turned off the main street into a small residential area.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
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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.