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.
The prince, Ashitaka, encounters a forest-dwelling young woman called San on his journey and the two become friends, teaming up to help save the forest and end his curse. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026 These wetland-dwelling plants do best in consistently moist soil. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026 The mood is unworldly, perfect for a song about an insomniac dwelling on lost love through a dark night. — Marshall Gu, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026 The baseball calendar will chew up and spit out those who dwell on one outcome out of 162, so little about Espada’s demeanor should be a surprise. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwell. Accessed 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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