dwelling

1 of 2

noun

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

dwelling

2 of 2

present participle of dwell

Synonyms of dwelling

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Noun

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Examples of dwelling in a Sentence

Noun the simple dwellings in which the Pilgrims spent the first winter at Plymouth
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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.
Noun
The family soon moved to a one-bedroom cabin in the nearby town of Locust Ridge, a dwelling that figures proudly in Parton’s rags-to-riches lore. — Jordan Hoffman, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026 The original dwelling, opened in 2019, is a former New York state bank dating back to the 1860s and the reception is hidden through a side door inside a bank vault. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026 The controversy was touched off by a New York Post report that Gordillo lives in a spacious Bedford-Stuyvesant dwelling bought by his parents that is now undergoing renovations. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 However, there are some exceptions for multi-family dwellings and commercial use. — Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dwelling

Word History

Etymology

Noun

see dwell

First Known Use

Noun

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

See All Rhymes for dwelling

Browse Nearby Words

dweller
dwelling
dwelling house
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dwelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwelling. Accessed 1 Sep. 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.

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