Synonyms of housingnext
1
b
: dwellings provided for people
2
a
: a niche for a sculpture
b
: the space taken out of a structural member (such as a timber) to admit the insertion of part of another
3
: something that covers or protects: such as
a
: a case or enclosure (as for a mechanical part or an instrument)
b
: a casing (such as an enclosed bearing) in which a shaft revolves
c
: a support (such as a frame) for mechanical parts

housing

2 of 3

noun (2)

housing

3 of 3

present participle of house entry 2

Examples of housing in a Sentence

Noun (1) a camera with a waterproof housing for taking pictures of coral reefs and other underwater features
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
But most Democrats contend that 8-30g is called into play only when towns haven’t already done enough to expand housing. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 There are some limited exceptions for nursing homes, dorms or religious housing. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026 What readers are saying The comments reflect a broad discussion on the challenges of homeownership, focusing on high housing costs, interest rates, and economic factors. — Julie Z. Weil, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026 The structure, which formerly hosted the Elks Club, is one of three historic buildings Karademas has redeveloped into apartment housing in downtown Aurora. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for housing

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English, from house housing (from Anglo-French huce, houce, of Germanic origin) + -ing; akin to Middle High German hulft covering

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of housing was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Housing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/housing. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

housing

1 of 2 noun
hous·​ing
ˈhau̇-ziŋ
1
a
: the shelter of a temporary or permanent structure (as a tent or house) : lodging
b
: dwellings provided for people
housing for the elderly
2
a
: something that covers or protects
b
: a support (as a frame) for mechanical parts

housing

2 of 2 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on housing

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster