dwelling-house

A family lives in a small dwelling-house with a red roof.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A house used as a residence: "dwelling-house" refers to a building or structure that is primarily used as a place where people live, as opposed to a workplace, shop, factory, or other non-residential building. This term is often used in legal or formal contexts to distinguish a home from other types of buildings.

Usage Examples

• (The rental contract states the building can only be lived in, not used for business.)
• (The policy protects the main residential building itself.)
• (Local regulations require residential buildings to have proper exits, plumbing, etc.)

Advanced Usage

• "dwelling-house in multiple occupation": a legal term for a building occupied by more than one household (e.g., a shared house or flats).

  • The council inspects dwelling-houses in multiple occupation for fire safety. (Local authorities check shared residential buildings for hazards.)

• "principal dwelling-house": the main home of a person, as opposed to a secondary home or holiday property.

  • Tax relief is available only for your principal dwelling-house, not for second homes. (Only your primary residence qualifies for certain tax exemptions.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dwelling (n): a place where people live; a house or home. (Broader term than "dwelling-house".)

  • The cave served as their dwelling for the winter. (The cave was their living space.)

• House (n): a building for human habitation. (More common, less formal term.)

  • They bought a new house in the suburbs. (They purchased a residential building.)

Synonyms

• Residence: a place where someone lives.
• Home: the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household.
• Habitation: a house or place of residence (formal or legal term).

Related Idioms

• "A man's home is his castle": a saying meaning a person's home is a private, secure place where they have control.

  • Even a small dwelling-house can feel like a fortress to its owner. (A simple home can be a safe haven.)

• "Home sweet home": an expression of happiness upon returning to one's own home.

  • After a long trip, there is nothing like returning to your own dwelling-house. (Your own residence is the most comforting place.)