housemate
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈaʊsmeɪt/
US
- /ˈhaʊsˌmeɪt/noun
Description
- Roommate
- Flatmate
- Person you live with
- Shared home
Imagine sharing your life and your rent. A housemate is someone you live with in the same home, usually a house or apartment. You often share bills, chores, and common spaces like the kitchen or living room. In many situations, "housemate" is close in meaning to "roommate" or "flatmate," though it often suggests that you share the home without sharing the same bedroom. You might talk about a person you cook with, clean with, or see every day at home. It is a simple word for a shared living arrangement built on closeness, cooperation, and daily routine.
The term "housemate" describes a person who lives in the same home as you, usually in a shared house or apartment. In many cases, housemates share expenses such as rent, utilities, and food, and they also share spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, or living room. The word is very close to "roommate" and "flatmate," but it often highlights the idea of sharing a home rather than sharing one bedroom.
In everyday life, housemates may be friends, students, coworkers, partners in a rental arrangement, or even strangers who end up living together for practical reasons. The relationship can be simple and practical, focused on paying bills and keeping the place tidy, or it can become warm and familiar through shared meals, conversations, and daily habits.
The context of use matters. In everyday conversation, "housemate" usually sounds more personal than words like "tenant" or "lodger" because it points to shared daily life inside the same home. You might say, "My housemate and I are making dinner tonight," or, "We're looking for a new housemate for the spare room." In the end, the word refers to someone who is part of your everyday home life, whether the connection is close or simply practical.
Examples
- 1
Moving in
My new housemate moved in last weekend.
- 2
Shared living
I get on well with my housemate, but we have very different schedules.
- 3
Household routine
One of my housemates always cooks for everyone on Sundays.
- 4
Housing ad
The ad said they were looking for a non-smoking housemate.
- 5
Friendship
We started out as housemates, and now we're close friends.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- housematenoun