ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dwelling

n. · v.
US //ˈdwɛɫɪŋ// UK //dwˈɛlɪŋ// dwelling
  1. 1 a place to live (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    a house, apartment, or other place where a person lives.

    a building or place of shelter in which people live; a formal synonym for home or residence.

    Example

    The old stone dwelling stood alone on the side of the hill.

    Example

    The local council is responsible for ensuring that every dwelling in the district meets modern safety and insulation standards.

    Usage

    Often used in legal, architectural, or official contexts rather than casual conversation.
  2. 2 living in a place (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    the act of living in a specific place.

    the state of residing or inhabiting a particular location.

    Example

    The story tells of strange creatures dwelling deep inside the forest.

    Example

    The documentary explores the unique challenges faced by communities dwelling in the high-altitude regions of the Andes.
Etymology 1

From Middle English dwellynge, dwellyng (“delay, continuance, abode”), equivalent to dwell + -ing. More at dwell.

Etymology 2

From dwell + -ing.

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