house
20 synonyms and 0 antonyms for house, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A building where people live, typically a single family.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use house
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English hūs ("dwelling, shelter"), from a Proto-Germanic root possibly meaning "to cover or hide" — related distantly to the word "hose."
Full origin of house →Frequently asked questions
What does “house” mean?
The word “house” means a building where people live, typically a single family. In plain terms, a building people live in, or more broadly, any structure or institution that "holds" something — a family, a business, an assembly, even a genre of music.
How do you pronounce “house”?
“House” is pronounced HOWS (/ˈhaʊ̯s/ in IPA).
How do you use “house” in a sentence?
Here is “house” used in a sentence: “They bought their first house on a quiet cul-de-sac.”
What part of speech is “house”?
Depending on how it is used, “house” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “house” come from?
The word “house” comes from Old English. From Old English hūs ("dwelling, shelter"), from a Proto-Germanic root possibly meaning "to cover or hide" — related distantly to the word "hose.".
Is “house” a common word?
“House” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “house” have?
“House” has 7 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a building where people live, typically a single family.
What is the difference between a house and a home?
A house is the physical building: walls, rooms, and a roof. A home is the feeling and life inside it, where you belong, feel comfortable, and are surrounded by family or memories. Any house can be a home, but "home" adds warmth and belonging that the plain word "house" does not.
What are the main types of houses?
Common types include detached houses, which stand alone; semi-detached, joined to one neighbour; and terraced houses, joined in a row. Others include bungalows, built on a single storey; cottages, small and traditional; and townhouses. The right term depends on how the building is arranged and connected to those around it.
What is the difference between a house and a flat?
A house is usually a whole building occupied by one household, often with its own front door and garden. A flat, or apartment, is a self-contained home within a larger building, sharing walls, floors, or an entrance with other flats. The main difference is whether you occupy the entire structure.
What is the difference between a house and a household?
A house is the building itself. A household means the people who live together in it as one unit, sharing bills, meals, or a budget. So one house can contain a single household or, if it is divided into separate living arrangements, more than one household under the same roof.