noun
denizen
DEN-ih-zun/ˈdenɪzn/
A person or animal that lives in or regularly occupies a place.
The red fox is a familiar denizen of these woods.
Etymology
Deinzein meant “one within,” especially someone within a city’s franchise and entitled to its privileges. This civic insider image connects to the broader meaning of an inhabitant or regular occupant of a place.
In context
Milton was also a denizen, it was alleged in this attack -- he was a denizen of London's playhouses.
More examples
- The cafe's regular denizens gather near the window each morning.
- Crabs and other denizens of the tide pools hide beneath rocks.
- As a longtime denizen of this neighborhood, she knows every shortcut.
Forms
denizen · denizens
Similar words
- inhabitant
- Emphasizes living in a place rather than frequenting it.
- resident
- Usually describes a person whose home is in a place.
- regular
- Describes someone who frequently visits a business or gathering.