English Reference

Word

homes

US/ˈhoʊmz/

UK/hˈəʊmz/

Definitions

01places to live

A1

n. more than one home; the houses or apartments where people live.

n. the plural form of 'home', referring to multiple domestic residences or dwellings.

“The charity helps build new homes for families in need after the flood.”

“The government's new housing initiative aims to provide affordable homes for first-time buyers in urban areas where prices have skyrocketed.”

02friend or peer

C2

n. a slang word you use to address a male friend or someone from your neighborhood.

n. a slang term of address for a male friend or acquaintance, often used within specific urban subcultures.

“Hey homes, what are you doing later tonight?”

“He greeted his old friend with a casual 'What's up, homes?' as they met on the corner where they grew up.”

Slang · American English · Informal

Usage

Often spelled 'holmes' in its original slang context.

Teaching tip

This is highly specific to certain American dialects and subcultures; learners should be aware of it through media but avoid using it in formal or professional settings.

Synonyms

Real-World Examples

“Israeli troops have forced two Palestinian families to leave their besieged West Bank homes, the day after a top Israeli commander personally promised he would end a violent settler campaign to drive them out.”
The Guardian · 13 Aug 2026
“The military’s failure to keep extremists away from two Palestinian families trapped in their West Bank homes made clear the chaos gripping the Israeli-occupied territory.”
The New York Times · 13 Aug 2026

Collocations

homes destroyedhomes in the occupiedhomes builthomes by settlershomes complianthomes coolhomes off their foundationshomes with their water

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Common
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference