English Reference

Word

housed

US/ˈhaʊzd/

UK/hˈaʊzd/

Definitions

01to provide living space

B2

v. to provide a home or a place to stay for people.

v. to provide individuals or groups with accommodation or shelter.

“The city housed the families in a local hotel after the fire.”

“Following the natural disaster, the government housed thousands of displaced residents in temporary modular units until permanent repairs could be completed.”

Usage

Often used in the passive voice when referring to large groups of people.

Antonyms

02to contain or store

B2

v. to be the place where something is kept or located.

v. to contain, store, or provide a dedicated space for equipment, collections, or specific functions.

“This old building once housed a famous library.”

“The new research facility is designed to be housed within the existing campus, ensuring that the sensitive laboratory equipment remains close to the main department.”

Usage

Frequently used to describe buildings that have a specific purpose or contain specific items.

Synonyms

03enclosed or covered

C1 · Technical

adj. protected by a cover or kept inside a structure.

adj. contained within a protective casing, shell, or building.

“The housed motor is protected from rain and dust.”

“The engineers specified a housed assembly for the outdoor sensors to prevent corrosion from the salty sea air.”

Technical

Usage

Common in mechanical or architectural contexts to describe components with a protective outer layer.

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“Built between 1922 and 1926, the Grand Mosque housed a prayer room, a library, a hammam – or public bath – a hostel and a restaurant.”
The Conversation · 26 Aug 2026
“Like AI systems, Bitcoin relies on vast networks of powerful computers housed in data centres.”
BBC News · 25 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/housed

English Reference