dwell

verb

ˈdwel How to pronounce dwell (audio)
dwelled ˈdweld How to pronounce dwell (audio)
ˈdwelt
 or dwelt ˈdwelt How to pronounce dwell (audio) ; dwelling
Synonyms of dwell

intransitive verb

1
: to remain for a time
dwell in the hallway
2
a
: to live as a resident
the town in which he dwelled for eight years
the dwelling place of the gods
b
: exist, lie
where the heart of the matter dwells
3
a
: to keep the attention directed
—used with on or upon
tried not to dwell on my fears
b
: to speak or write insistently
—used with on or upon
reporters dwelling on the recent scandal
dweller
ˈdwe-lər How to pronounce dwell (audio)
noun

Synonyms of dwell

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Examples of dwell in a Sentence

a cave where bats dwell dwelling with a farm family as an exchange student in France
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jon Lovitz refused to dwell on the past and instead took the high road in response to claims made by Crystal Hefner. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 But for the chatbot devotees, the inner workings are where the magic dwells. — Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026 Thankfully, these aren't the nests of some colossal moon-dwelling arachnids, but streaks of bright material cast across the lunar surface by the violent impacts that created the bright young craters. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Even New York's youngest player didn't dwell too long over Shesterkin getting sidelined. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dwell

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English dwellan to go astray, hinder; akin to Old High German twellen to tarry

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dwell was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing dwell

Rhymes for dwell

See All Rhymes for dwell

Browse Nearby Words

dweeble
dwell
dweller
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Cite this Entry

“Dwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwell. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dwell

verb
ˈdwel How to pronounce dwell (audio)
dwelled ˈdweld How to pronounce dwell (audio) ˈdwelt How to pronounce dwell (audio) or dwelt ˈdwelt How to pronounce dwell (audio) ; dwelling
1
: to stay for a while
2
: to live in a place : reside
3
: to keep the attention directed
dwelled on their mistakes
dweller noun
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