residence

noun

res·​i·​dence ˈre-zə-dən(t)s How to pronounce residence (audio)
ˈrez-dən(t)s,
ˈre-zə-ˌden(t)s
1
a
: the act or fact of dwelling in a place for some time
b
: the act or fact of living or regularly staying at or in some place for the discharge of a duty or the enjoyment of a benefit
2
a(1)
: the place where one actually lives as distinguished from one's domicile or a place of temporary sojourn
b
: the place where a corporation is actually or officially established
c
: the status of a legal resident
3
a
: a building used as a home : dwelling
b
: housing or a unit of housing provided for students
4
a
: the period or duration of abode in a place
b
: a period of active and especially full-time study, research, or teaching at a college or university
Phrases
in residence
: engaged to live and work at a particular place often for a specified time
poet in residence at a university

Examples of residence in a Sentence

He recently ended his residence at the apartment complex. They were granted residence in this country.
Recent Examples on the Web Officials were also present at Combs’ Miami residence. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2024 After the war ends, about half the people in Gaza cannot return to their homes because so many residences have been destroyed or severely damaged. Cate Brown, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024 The drone observed one of the suspects fleeing from the back of the residence, police say. John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024 The residence was restored in 1971 and has since been refurbished by previous owners. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2024 Maintaining the original position of the residence, a second home for a couple and their art collection, would mean fatally destabilizing the plant. Michael Snyder Pedro Kok, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024 As customers change residences, jobs, phone numbers, email accounts, or even simply enter wrong contact information, a large stash of data inevitably becomes less valuable over time. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024 To make the most of its placement, the swanky residence is decked out with large glass windows and doors, so you’re practically guaranteed a scenic backdrop at every turn. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 Crews searched the residence and controlled the fire within 15 minutes of the first 911 call, and no firefighters were injured, according to WRTFD. Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'residence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of residence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near residence

Cite this Entry

“Residence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/residence. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

residence

noun
res·​i·​dence ˈrez-əd-ən(t)s How to pronounce residence (audio)
-ə-ˌden(t)s
1
: the act or state of living or working continuously in a place
physicians in residence in a hospital
residence abroad
2
a
: the place where one lives
b
: the status of a legal resident
3
a
: the period during which a person resides in a place
b
: a period of actual study, research, or teaching at a college or university

Legal Definition

residence

noun
res·​i·​dence ˈre-zə-dəns How to pronounce residence (audio)
1
: the act or fact of living in a place
2
a
: the place where one actually lives as distinguished from a domicile or place of temporary sojourn
a person can have more than one residence but only one domicile

Note: A distinction is usually maintained between domicile and residence based on the relative permanency of a domicile and the intent to make it a principal place of abode. In some contexts, however, such as for determining proper venue domicile and residence are used as synonyms. Similarly residence and domicile are sometimes used as synonyms with regard to the place of incorporation of a business.

b
: a place in which a corporation does business or is licensed to do business
3
: the status of a resident
4

More from Merriam-Webster on residence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!