# live in

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/live-in
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to live in the same building where you work or study.

For teachers: to reside at one's place of employment or education. The verb is intransitive in this sense and does not take a direct object.

## Examples

- The new nanny will live in.
- Most of the hotel staff live in during the busy summer season to save on commuting time and costs.
- While the estate manager prefers his own cottage, the junior housekeepers are required to live in to ensure round-the-clock service for the guests.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She is a live in nanny." but "She is a live-in nanny." — use a hyphen when 'live-in' functions as an adjective before a noun.

## Usage notes

- usually refers to domestic workers, students, or staff at a large institution.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'live out' and mention the hyphenated adjective form 'live-in' used before nouns.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.