Housing: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used when referring to buildings or structures where people live, often in a general or collective sense. Often used in discussions about urban planning, development, or social issues.

• The government is investing in affordable housing projects.
• She works for a housing association that supports low-income families.

Frequently used in legal or official contexts to refer to someone's home or place of living. Can also denote a more permanent or formal situation.

• The artist's residence is located in an upscale neighborhood.
• You must update your address if your place of residence changes.

A more formal or literary term for a place where someone lives. Often used in legal, historical, or architectural discussions.

• The cave served as a dwelling for ancient humans.
• The city council outlined new regulations for traditional dwellings.

Typically used when referring to temporary or travel-related places to stay, such as hotels or rental properties. Also used in more formal contexts.

• We need to book accommodation for our trip to Paris.
• The accommodation provided by the company was very comfortable.

This term is often used in a general context to refer to places where people live. It is commonly used in discussions about real estate, urban planning, and social policies.

• The government is investing in affordable housing for low-income families.
• The housing market has seen a significant increase in prices over the past year.

Shelter refers to a place that provides protection from the weather or danger. It often carries a sense of urgency or emergency and is frequently used in the context of homelessness, natural disasters, or animal care.

• The organization provides shelter for homeless individuals.
• We took shelter under a tree during the heavy storm.

Lodging typically refers to temporary places to stay, especially for travelers or tourists. It is less formal than 'accommodation' and often used for simpler or more basic places.

• We found affordable lodging near the national park.
• The inn offers lodging at reasonable prices.

This term is more versatile and can be used to refer to both temporary and permanent places where people stay. It is often used in the context of travel and tourism.

• We need to find accommodation for our trip to Paris.
• The hotel offers luxurious accommodation with ocean views.

This term is generally used to describe buildings or structures where people live. It is often used in discussions about real estate, urban planning, or social issues related to where people reside.

• The government is working on a new housing project to accommodate low-income families.
• Rising housing costs have made it difficult for many people to afford a place to live.

Shelter is often used to describe a place that provides protection or refuge. It can have a more urgent or temporary implication, commonly used in contexts such as homelessness or during emergencies.

• The city has opened a new shelter for homeless people.
• During the storm, many people took shelter in their basements.

This word is used to describe the act of providing a place for someone to stay or live, but it can also mean adjusting to fit someone's needs. It is often used in more flexible or temporary situations.

• We can accommodate up to five guests in our guest house.
• The hotel was able to accommodate the large group for the conference.

Lodge is typically used to describe a small house or cabin, often in a rural or vacation setting. It can also be used as a verb meaning to provide someone with a place to stay temporarily.

• They stayed at a cozy lodge in the mountains during their vacation.
• The company will lodge the employees in nearby hotels during the training session.