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residential

adj. · n.
US //ˌɹɛzɪˈdɛnʃəɫ// UK //ɹˌɛzɪdˈɛnʃəl// res·i·den·tial
  1. 1 housing area (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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. 2 living on-site (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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.

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  1. 3 an overnight trip (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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