WordGarden.iocohabitation
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /kəʊhˌæbɪtˈeɪʃən/
US
- /koʊˌhæbəˈteɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
living together as romantic partners without being married
living or existing together in the same place
shared executive power between rival political parties
Beyond the definition
This means living together in an intimate relationship, usually by people who are not married. Think of it as sharing a home, daily routines, and responsibilities with a partner. Many couples use it to test their relationship before marriage, or to build a close life together without legal marriage. You may hear people speak about cohabitation when they move in with a partner or in studies about modern household choices. It used to be frowned upon in some places, but many societies now accept it much more openly.
Cohabitation refers to the state of living together—specifically, two unmarried people residing in a romantic relationship. While historically associated with societal stigma, cohabitation has become increasingly prevalent and accepted globally as both an alternative to marriage and a stepping stone toward it.
The term can also have broader meanings. In animal behavior, cohabitation describes different species sharing the same habitat or nesting site. Historically, "cohabitation" could refer to any form of shared living space—even among roommates. However, in modern English usage, it almost always implies a romantic partnership.
Legal definitions and rights surrounding cohabitation vary significantly by country and region. Some jurisdictions offer similar legal protections to cohabiting couples as they do to married couples (regarding property, inheritance, and child custody), while others provide little to no such protection. You might encounter the term in legal contexts discussing "common-law marriage"—a form of cohabitation recognized as legally equivalent to marriage under certain conditions.
Whether you are reading about demographic trends, navigating relationship choices, or exploring legal frameworks, understanding cohabitation means recognizing it as a diverse and evolving form of intimate partnership characterized by a shared living space and a commitment to building a life together.
Examples
- 1
Relationship stage
More and more couples see cohabitation as a normal step before marriage.
- 2
Family reaction
Their families were uncomfortable with cohabitation at first, but they accepted it over time.
- 3
Legal effects
In some places, long-term cohabitation can affect taxes, benefits, and property rights.
- 4
Legal agreement
Before moving in together, they signed a cohabitation agreement.
- Domaincohabitation agreement
a legal document for unmarried partners who live together
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- cohabitationnoun
Forms
- cohabitationspluralnoun