Housing

'haʊzɪŋ

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

The act or process of providing dwellings for people; the dwellings themselves.

'haʊzɪŋ

nounneutralBeginner
General

The provision of shelter for people or animals.

The city is facing a housing crisis, with a shortage of affordable homes.

💡 Simply: Housing is like getting a house or apartment to live in! Think about when you need a place to sleep, eat, and play; that's housing!

👶 For kids: A place where people or animals live, like a house or apartment.

More Examples

2

New housing developments are being built to accommodate the growing population.

3

Adequate housing is a basic human right.

How It's Used

Politics

"The government is working on providing affordable housing for low-income families."

Real Estate

"The housing market has seen a surge in demand this year."

Sociology

"Poor housing conditions can contribute to health problems."

2

The protective structure or enclosure for a component or mechanism.

'haʊzɪŋ

nounneutralmedium
General

A structure or container for something.

The fan's housing prevents dust from entering.

💡 Simply: Sometimes housing isn't just for people. Think about the cover around your phone or a watch. That's also housing!

👶 For kids: A covering that protects something like a toy or a machine.

More Examples

2

The camera lens is protected by a waterproof housing.

3

The electronic components are enclosed in a metal housing for safety.

How It's Used

Engineering

"The engine's housing protects its internal components."

Technology

"The hard drive's housing is designed to withstand impacts."

Tip:Imagine a PROTECTIVE COVER for a machine—that's the housing!
3

To provide with a place to live or with accommodation.

'haʊzɪŋ

verbneutralAdvanced
General

To provide someone with accommodation.

The humanitarian organization is housing the displaced families.

💡 Simply: Think of finding a home for someone or something; that's what we mean when we say "housing" here!

👶 For kids: To give someone a place to live, like a house or apartment.

More Examples

2

The university is providing housing to international students.

3

The shelter houses many homeless people.

How It's Used

Social Services

"The charity provides housing for the homeless."

Government

"The government is trying to housing the refugees."

Tip:Think of offering a HOUSE to someone who needs shelter.

Idioms & expressions

affordable housing

Housing that is reasonably priced for people with low to moderate incomes.

"The city is working to increase the supply of affordable housing."

public housing

Housing provided by the government for people with low incomes.

"Public housing provides a vital safety net for many families."

From Middle English housyng, housynge, equivalent to house + -ing. The term has evolved from referring to the act of providing shelter to the structures themselves and the systems around them.

Historically, housing referred to the action of sheltering or the provision of shelter. Over time, it has come to also describe the physical structures and systems providing shelter.

Memory tip

Think of a HOUSE for the word HOUSING. It's about having a place to live.

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Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written