Domestic
/dəˈmɛstɪk/
Definitions
4 meaningsRelating to the running of a home or family affairs.
/dəˈmɛstɪk/
Relating to the home or family.
Domestic tasks like laundry and grocery shopping are often shared responsibilities.
💡 Simply: It's like anything you do around the house! Like doing the dishes or helping your parents. Example: 'My domestic skills are improving every day – I can finally cook a decent meal!'
👶 For kids: About your house and family.
More Examples
The couple argued over domestic duties.
She preferred a domestic life, focusing on her children and home.
How It's Used
"She enjoys domestic chores like cooking and cleaning."
Relating to or originating within one's own country; not foreign.
/dəˈmɛstɪk/
Relating to one's own country.
The airline offers domestic flights within the country.
💡 Simply: Means something that happens inside your country. Like domestic flights, they stay within the country! Example: 'The government's domestic policy focuses on issues like education and healthcare.'
👶 For kids: About your country.
More Examples
Domestic tourism boomed after the travel restrictions were lifted.
The company’s domestic sales are strong.
How It's Used
"The president focused on domestic policy during their term."
"Domestic markets are often more stable than international ones."
Tamed or kept by people, especially as a pet or on a farm.
/dəˈmɛstɪk/
Tamed or kept as a pet or on a farm.
The dog is a domestic animal.
💡 Simply: Animals that live with people, like dogs, cats, and cows. Example: 'Dogs are one of the most common domestic animals.'
👶 For kids: Animals that live with people.
More Examples
Many species of birds are now domestic.
Farmers raise domestic animals for food.
How It's Used
"Cats are domestic animals."
A household servant.
/dəˈmɛstɪk/
A household servant
The family hired a domestic to help with the housework.
💡 Simply: Someone who works in a home, like a housekeeper or a nanny. Example: 'In the past, wealthy families often employed several domestics.'
👶 For kids: Someone who works in your house.
More Examples
In the old days, domestics often lived in the homes where they worked.
The couple was looking for a domestic to care for their children.
How It's Used
"The family employed several domestics to manage their large house."
Idioms & expressions
domestic violence
Violence occurring within a household, often between spouses or partners.
"Domestic violence is a serious crime that affects many families."
From Middle French domestique, from Latin domesticus ('belonging to the house, household'), from domus ('house').
The word 'domestic' has been used since the 14th century to refer to things related to the house or home. Its use expanded to include national matters and tamed animals over time.
Memory tip
Think 'home-related'.