Household

'haʊs.həʊld

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A group of people who live together in a house or similar dwelling, especially a family.

'haʊs.həʊld

nounneutralBeginner
General

A group of people, typically a family, living together in one home.

The Smiths' household included five children and two dogs.

💡 Simply: It's like all the people who share a house and usually eat together. Like your family!

👶 For kids: A household is all the people who live in your house, like your family and maybe pets!

More Examples

2

A typical household in this area consists of two adults and one child.

3

The survey gathered information about the spending habits of each household.

4

The government provides support to low-income households.

How It's Used

General

"The census collects data about each household."

Sociology

"Household size can vary greatly depending on cultural norms."

2

Relating to the home or family; well-known and familiar.

'haʊs.həʊld

adjectiveneutralmedium
General

Commonly used or known by people in a particular home.

The brand became a household name.

💡 Simply: Things you have around the house or things that are well-known, like a famous actor!

👶 For kids: Something that is used in the house or known by everyone.

More Examples

2

We use household appliances to do our chores.

3

She gave the company a household name.

4

The household budget was carefully planned.

How It's Used

General

"A household name is a famous name"

Tip:Think of things you find around your house that you are familiar with.

Idioms & expressions

household name

A person or thing that is very well known.

"The singer became a household name after her first album was released."

From Old English *hūshīeld* (literally 'house-hold'), referring to the members of a family living in a house. Compounded of 'house' and 'hold' meaning a group of people.

Used in historical texts to denote a family unit and its members, often related to property ownership and social status.

Memory tip

Think of the people who hold the house together.

house holdhouse-hold

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written