# multifamily

/ˌməɫtaɪˈfæməɫi/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/multifamily
Updated: 2026-10-21

## Definition

describing a building made for more than one family to live in, with a separate home for each family.

For teachers: describing residential property designed to house several separate households in individual units within one building or complex. Typically placed before nouns such as 'housing', 'building', or 'development'.

## Examples

- They live in a multifamily building with three flats.
- The developer plans a multifamily complex with twelve apartments above shops near the station.
- Rising land costs have pushed cities to approve more multifamily projects that balance density with green space and public transport access.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

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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.