dwelling

noun

dwell·​ing ˈdwe-liŋ How to pronounce dwelling (audio)
Synonyms of dwelling
: a shelter (such as a house) in which people live

Synonyms of dwelling

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Examples of dwelling in a Sentence

the simple dwellings in which the Pilgrims spent the first winter at Plymouth
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.
The park service offers educational tours of the dwellings as well as bird-watching, nature walks, and wildlife-viewing tours. — Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026 The owner has subsequently been unable to occupy or rent the dwelling, and her only recourse has been to price it below market value and attempt to sell. — Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Future building potential also exists for another two dwellings. — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Office buildings are designed with very different considerations than apartment dwellings. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dwelling

Word History

Etymology

see dwell

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dwelling was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing dwelling

Rhymes for dwelling

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Browse Nearby Words

dweller
dwelling
dwelling house
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Cite this Entry

“Dwelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwelling. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dwelling

noun
dwell·​ing
ˈdwel-iŋ
: a shelter in which people live : house

Legal Definition

dwelling

noun
dwell·​ing
: a structure where a person lives and especially sleeps

called also dwelling house

see also burglary

Note: Courts disagree as to how permanent or consistent the habitation of a structure must be in order for it to be considered a dwelling, but most courts agree that a dwelling includes its curtilage.

More from Merriam-Webster on dwelling

Nglish: Translation of dwelling for Spanish Speakers

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