English Reference
noun

residency

n.
US /ˈɹɛzɪdənsi/ UK /ɹˈɛzɪdənsi/ res·i·den·cy UK spelling residencies

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    the fact of living in a place officially or legally.

    the legal state or condition of being a resident in a particular jurisdiction.

    Simple

    She had to prove her residency in the city to get a library card.

    In context

    The applicant must provide documented evidence of continuous residency for at least five years to qualify for the permanent visa category.

    Usage

    Often used with 'apply for' or 'permanent'.

    inhabitancyoccupancy
  2. 02 C1 Advanced American EnglishTechnical Medicine

    a period of specialized medical training in a hospital for a doctor.

    a stage of graduate medical education where a doctor practices medicine under supervision in a hospital.

    Simple

    After finishing medical school, he started his residency in surgery.

    In context

    During her three-year residency in pediatrics, she worked eighty-hour weeks while rotating through various specialized hospital wards.

    Usage

    Commonly used in North American English; 'registrar' is the more common equivalent in British English.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    a job where an artist or musician performs regularly at one place for a long time.

    a fixed-term appointment for a creative professional, such as a musician or writer, to work or perform at a specific institution or venue.

    Simple

    The famous singer has a two-year residency at a hotel in Las Vegas.

    In context

    The string quartet accepted a prestigious residency at the university, which involved both public performances and mentoring student composers.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern music contexts, this often refers specifically to high-profile Las Vegas concert series.

Anyone who has moved to Spain will be more than aware that getting an appointment to do an official admin process or for residency paperwork can sometimes feel impossible.

The Local· 13 Aug 2026

They’re in Guadalajara, Mexico, for the latest stop of a residency tour, titled To Be Free, in support of their fifth studio album.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

From reside + -ency or resident + -cy.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated