Synonyms of housingnext
1
b
: dwellings provided for people
2
a
: a niche for a sculpture
b
: the space taken out of a structural member (such as a timber) to admit the insertion of part of another
3
: something that covers or protects: such as
a
: a case or enclosure (as for a mechanical part or an instrument)
b
: a casing (such as an enclosed bearing) in which a shaft revolves
c
: a support (such as a frame) for mechanical parts

housing

2 of 3

noun (2)

housing

3 of 3

present participle of house entry 2

Examples of housing in a Sentence

Noun (1) a camera with a waterproof housing for taking pictures of coral reefs and other underwater features
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.
Noun
Around Paris, Toulouse and Marseilles, local policies that deter suburban sprawl and promote new housing in city centers have slowed expansion of outer suburbs, a recent study found. Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 There are signs that Democratic voters, especially, are looking for change, and some young voters argue older politicians can’t truly understand a world transformed by artificial intelligence, rising housing costs and student debt. ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 Koreans are wary of methods to turn housing wealth into cash. Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 Staff members share educational materials about housing, mental health, and support for low-income individuals. Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for housing

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English, from house housing (from Anglo-French huce, houce, of Germanic origin) + -ing; akin to Middle High German hulft covering

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Cite this Entry

“Housing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/housing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

housing

1 of 2 noun
hous·​ing
ˈhau̇-ziŋ
1
a
: the shelter of a temporary or permanent structure (as a tent or house) : lodging
b
: dwellings provided for people
housing for the elderly
2
a
: something that covers or protects
b
: a support (as a frame) for mechanical parts

housing

2 of 2 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on housing

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!