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Household: meaning, definitions and examples

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household

 

[ˈhaʊsˌhoʊld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

daily life

All the people who live together in one house as a unit. It can also refer to the items and supplies used in a house.

Synonyms

domestic, family, residence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
household

This word refers to all the people living together in a single home, and can also refer to the home and its activities as a unit.

  • The Smith household includes four people and two pets.
  • She manages all the household chores by herself.
family

This word refers to a group of people related by blood or marriage, typically living together.

  • She spends a lot of time with her family during the holidays.
  • Their family has a reunion every summer.
residence

This term is more formal and refers to the place where someone lives, especially for a more extended period.

  • His new residence is located near the city center.
  • They moved into their new residence last month.
domestic

This term relates to activities, duties, or products that are connected with home life, and can also refer to something that is not foreign.

  • They have a domestic helper who comes twice a week.
  • The company's domestic sales have increased this year.

Examples of usage

  • Our household consists of my parents, my sister, and me.
  • I need to buy some household cleaning supplies.
Context #2 | Noun

economics

A group of consumers who live together and make joint purchasing decisions.

Synonyms

clientele, consumers, customers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
household

Used to refer to the people who live together in a single home. This term is often used in discussions about family, living arrangements, or domestic matters.

  • The survey aims to understand the average income per household.
  • Our household requires a lot of groceries every week.
consumers

Mostly used in economic or marketing contexts to denote individuals who purchase goods and services for personal use. This term focuses on buying behavior and market trends.

  • The new product is tailored to meet the demands of modern consumers.
  • Consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainability.
customers

A general term for people who buy goods or services from a business. Suitable for everyday conversations and a wide range of contexts from retail to services. Unlike ‘clientele’, it doesn’t necessarily imply frequent interactions.

  • The store is known for excellent customer service.
  • She greeted the customers as they entered the shop.
clientele

Commonly used in professional settings to refer to the group of clients or customers that a business or service provider deals with. This term suggests a relationship built on repeated interactions and often a higher level of service.

  • The law firm has a diverse clientele, ranging from small businesses to large corporations.
  • She takes great pride in her salon’s loyal clientele.

Examples of usage

  • The marketing campaign targets households with higher incomes.
  • The survey aims to understand the spending habits of different households.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term originates from the Old English 'hus' meaning house and 'hold' meaning the people living there.
  • In ancient times, a household often included extended family and servants, not just the immediate family.
  • The concept has evolved from simply being a physical space to a social unit that represents shared resources.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate the concept of 'household' through festivals that emphasize family and community ties.
  • In some societies, the household serves as the primary economic unit, where all members contribute to its sustenance.
  • Literature often portrays the household as a microcosm of society, reflecting the dynamics of relationships.

Sociology

  • Sociologists study households to understand social structures, roles, and the impact of family dynamics.
  • Household composition can vary widely, from single-person houses to large multi-generational living arrangements.
  • Changes in household structures, such as increased single-parent homes, can affect social issues like education and health.

History

  • Historically, the structure of households influenced labor and economic systems, especially during the agrarian era.
  • The Industrial Revolution shifted household roles, as many members began working outside the home for the first time.
  • Traditionally, households were often led by patriarchal figures, reflecting the gender norms of their time.

Modern Context

  • Today, many households are redefining roles, with both partners often working to support family needs.
  • Digital technology has transformed how households communicate, manage tasks, and stay connected.
  • Emerging trends show a rise in non-traditional households, including co-housing and communal living arrangements.

Translations

Translations of the word "household" in other languages:

🇵🇹 doméstico

🇮🇳 गृहस्थी

🇩🇪 Haushalt

🇮🇩 rumah tangga

🇺🇦 домашнє господарство

🇵🇱 gospodarstwo domowe

🇯🇵 家族

🇫🇷 ménage

🇪🇸 hogar

🇹🇷 ev işleri

🇰🇷 가정용

🇸🇦 أسرة

🇨🇿 domácnost

🇸🇰 domácnosť

🇨🇳 家庭

🇸🇮 gospodinjstvo

🇮🇸 heimilishald

🇰🇿 үй шаруашылығы

🇬🇪 სახლის მეურნეობა

🇦🇿 ev təsərrüfatı

🇲🇽 hogar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,224, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.