Definition

Noun: A semi-detached house is a single-family dwelling that shares one common wall with another, similar house. The two houses are built as a pair, attached to each other along one side, while the other sides are detached and separate.

Usage

A "semi-detached house" is used to describe a specific and common type of residential building, particularly in British and Commonwealth English. It refers to one unit in a pair of houses that are joined together.

Examples

• They live in a semi-detached house on Maple Street.
• The neighborhood is mostly made up of semi-detached houses and terraced homes.
• Buying a semi-detached house can be more affordable than a fully detached property.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often shortened informally to "semi-detached" or simply "a semi."
  • We're looking at a lovely semi-detached in the suburbs.
  • He grew up in a semi.

Variants and Related Words

• Semi-detached (adjective): Used to describe the type of house.
  • A semi-detached property.
• Detached house (noun): A standalone house not connected to any other.
• Terraced house (noun, UK) / Row house (noun, US): A house that is part of a continuous row, sharing walls on both sides with neighboring houses.
• Duplex (noun, US/Canada): This can sometimes be confused but typically refers to a single building divided into two separate residential units, often stacked vertically.

Synonyms

• Duplex (in some specific contexts, though not a perfect synonym)
• Twin home

Antonyms

• Detached house
• Stand-alone house

Noun

1. a dwelling that is attached to something on only one side