English Reference
adjective · noun

residential

adj. · n.
US /ˌɹɛzɪˈdɛnʃəɫ/ UK /ɹˌɛzɪdˈɛnʃəl/ res·i·den·tial

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describes an area where there are mostly houses and apartments rather than offices or factories.

    adj.relating to or designed for people to live in; specifically used for urban areas zoned for housing rather than commerce or industry.

    Simple

    The speed limit is lower here because it is a residential street with many families.

    In context

    The city council rejected the proposal for a new shopping mall, arguing that it would disrupt the quiet character of the surrounding residential neighbourhood.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.describes a job, course, or school where you live at the place where you work or study.

    adj.requiring or providing living accommodation on the premises of an institution or place of employment.

    Simple

    She applied for a residential course so she could focus on her studies without commuting.

    In context

    The university offers a residential summer programme where students live in the dormitories and participate in evening seminars.

    Usage

    Often used to describe care facilities, schools, or intensive training programmes.

    live inboarding
  3. 03 C1 Advanced British English

    n.a trip, often for school or work, where people stay together in a building for a few days.

    n.a period of time spent staying at a facility for a specific purpose, such as a school trip or a team-building retreat.

    Simple

    The year six students are going on a three-day residential to an outdoor activity centre.

    In context

    The company organised a weekend residential to help the new management team build stronger professional relationships.

    retreatfield trip

Usage residential property · residential area

A number of house were destroyed by a fire in Stourbridge, with officials saying it is thought the fire started in nearby grassland before spreading to a residential area.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

When an Air India plane heading to London crashed in a residential area of the Indian city of Ahmedabad, just seconds after take off, it killed all but one onboard.

BBC News· 10 Jun 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated