House: meaning, definitions and examples

Use for general purposes when referring to a building where people live, especially when describing the structure itself.

• They just bought a new house
• The house has four bedrooms and a large garden

Refers to the place where someone feels they belong or have an emotional connection to, can be a house, apartment, or any other residence.

• Home is where the heart is
• After a long trip, it's good to be back home

More formal term, often implying a more permanent or official place of living, sometimes used for larger or grander homes.

• He took up residence in a large mansion
• The university provides on-campus residences for students

More formal or old-fashioned term for any place where someone lives, often used in legal or official contexts.

• The city council approved the construction of new dwellings
• They found an abandoned dwelling in the forest

Refers to one of the two chambers of a legislative body, like the House of Representatives in the United States.

• The House voted on the new education policy.
• The bill is now in the hands of the House.

A general term for an organized body having the authority to make laws for a political entity such as a country or city.

• The state legislature is considering new environmental regulations.
• Members of the legislature debated the budget proposal.

The supreme legislative body in many countries, especially in the UK, consisting of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

• Parliament will vote on the Brexit deal next week.
• She has been a member of Parliament for ten years.

The national legislative body of a country, specifically used for the United States.

• Congress passed the new healthcare bill.
• She was elected to serve in Congress.

Use this word when referring to providing a place to live for someone on a more permanent basis, like a building where people reside.

• The city plans to house the homeless people in newly built apartments.
• They decided to house their children close to the school.

This word is used when indicating the act of providing space or facilities to someone, often temporarily. It is often used in contexts like hotels or other short-term stays.

• The hotel can accommodate up to 200 guests.
• We can accommodate your family for the weekend.

This word implies providing protection or refuge, often in emergency situations or for those in need. It can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying a temporary or urgent need for safety.

• The volunteers set up a shelter for the victims of the flood.
• The organization shelters abandoned animals until they find a new home.

This word is commonly used when someone is providing hospitality or services, often used for events, gatherings, or short stays. It has a broader meaning beyond just providing a place to stay.

• They will host a dinner party next weekend.
• She decided to host her friends for a few days.