Definition of House
Quick Meaning of House
A building where a family lives. Most houses have bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
Detailed Definition of House
A building where people live, typically a single-family dwelling.
How to Pronounce House
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Sounds like 'howse'. The 'ouse' part rhymes with 'mouse' and 'blouse'.
Origin and Etymology of House
From Old English 'hus', possibly from an early Germanic root meaning 'to cover' or 'shelter'.
How to Use House in a Sentence
Each example shows “house” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“My house is near the school.”
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“We bought a new house last year.”
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“The children played in front of the house.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of House
Common Synonyms for House
Smart Synonyms for House — When to Use Each
- home
- when emphasizing the emotional or personal significance of
- residence
- for formal or official contexts like legal documents
Common Collocations with House
These phrases pair with “house” in everyday English:
- buy a house
- new house
- at home
- my house
- next door
Common Mistakes When Using House
Even fluent speakers slip up with “house”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I live in a very beautiful house.
- ✓ Correct: I live in a lovely house.
- Why: 'Beautiful' is less common for houses; use 'lovely', 'nice', or 'beautiful' for nature, not everyday usage.
- ✗ Wrong: The house of my parents is big.
- ✓ Correct: My parents' house is big.
- Why: Use possessive form 'parents'' or 'my parents' house', not 'house of my parents'.
Words Confused With House
- House vs Home: House is the physical building; home is where you feel you belong. Compare →
Other Forms of House
Frequently Asked Questions About House
What is the meaning of "House"?
A building where a family lives. Most houses have bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
How do you pronounce "House"?
The IPA is /haʊs/. Sounds like 'howse'. The 'ouse' part rhymes with 'mouse' and 'blouse'.
What part of speech is "House"?
"House" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "House"?
Common synonyms include home, residence, dwelling.
How do you use "House" in a sentence?
For example: "My house is near the school."