dwelling
5 synonyms for dwelling, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A house or other place where someone lives.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use dwelling
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
human dwelling
dwelling place
single-family dwelling
Common in legal, official, or formal writing ("dwelling unit," "single-family dwelling") rather than everyday speech.
Etymology
From Middle English dwellynge, the noun form of "dwell," originally meaning "delay" or "abode."
Full origin of dwelling →Frequently asked questions
What does “dwelling” mean?
The word “dwelling” means a house or other place where someone lives. In plain terms, a formal word for a home or place of residence.
How do you pronounce “dwelling”?
“Dwelling” is pronounced DWEHL-ihng (/ˈdwɛl.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dwelling” in a sentence?
Here is “dwelling” used in a sentence: “The old cottage had been a dwelling for over two centuries.”
What part of speech is “dwelling”?
“Dwelling” is a noun.
Where does the word “dwelling” come from?
The word “dwelling” comes from Middle English. From Middle English dwellynge, the noun form of "dwell," originally meaning "delay" or "abode.".
Is “dwelling” a common word?
“Dwelling” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a dwelling and a house?
House usually refers specifically to a standalone building designed for a family, while dwelling is a broader, more formal term covering any place someone lives, including flats, houses, and other residences. Dwelling is often used in legal, official, or census contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Is dwelling a formal word?
Yes, dwelling has a somewhat formal or legal tone compared to everyday words like home or house. It commonly appears in property law, insurance documents, real estate listings, and official housing statistics.
What is a dwelling place?
A dwelling place is simply another way of saying a place where someone lives, combining the noun dwelling with place for emphasis or a more literary effect. It is often used in older or formal writing rather than casual speech.
