noun / adverb / adjective

home

HOHM/həʊm/

The place regarded as one's established base or natural dwelling.

An adult arrives home and is greeted by a partner and small dog.

An adult arrives home with a bag and is welcomed by a partner and small dog at an open door.

Etymology

homeOld Englishdwelling place; fixed residence

Old English hām could mean not just a house but a village, region, or country. The expression “at home” extended from being in one's house to being in congenial surroundings and feeling at ease.

In context

Dr. Harrison3:26

her home on Martha's Vineyard. Set within the natural beauty of an island in the state of Massachusetts, this [music] is where Carly Simon has lived for decades

At 82, Carly Simon finally reveals the truth behind her fame, fortune, and the song "You're So Vain"

More examples

She returns to her home country every summer.
Our team plays its next game at home.
These wetlands are home to many kinds of birds.
The runner slides safely into home.

Forms

home · homes

homeless adjective — Without a stable place to live.

Similar words

house: Names a residential building, not necessarily where someone belongs.
residence: More formally identifies where someone lives, without suggesting belonging.
habitat: Specifically names the natural environment of an animal or plant.