Household Meaning
Household Definition & Usage
A household refers to the people living together in one residence, typically a family or group of individuals who share domestic responsibilities.
Examples
- "The Johnsons' household includes four members: John, Mary, and their two children."
- "Our household is responsible for maintaining the garden and keeping the house clean."
- "A typical household spends about 30% of its income on housing expenses."
- "In some cultures, the concept of a household extends beyond the nuclear family to include extended relatives."
- "During the holiday season, many households increase their spending on decorations and food."
Household refers to the items and tools used within a home to perform everyday tasks.
Examples
- "We need to buy new household cleaning supplies this weekend."
- "The kitchen is full of modern household appliances, like a refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher."
- "Her household consists of various gadgets designed to make chores easier."
- "It’s important to keep track of household expenses to manage a budget."
- "Household goods such as furniture, decor, and linens can be quite expensive."
Relating to or serving the activities and needs of a household.
Examples
- "They are working on a household budget to reduce unnecessary spending."
- "Household chores like laundry and dishwashing can take up a lot of time."
- "She purchased a household cleaner that is safe for pets and children."
- "The store specializes in household items, including bedding, furniture, and kitchenware."
- "Household income levels are often used to assess economic status in surveys."
Cultural Context
The word 'household' has been used for centuries, stemming from the Old English 'hūs' meaning house and 'weald' meaning domain or rule. In modern English, it represents both a group of people sharing a living space as well as the tools and goods that comprise domestic life. The concept of a household is central in many cultures, often representing a basic unit of social structure, economy, and care.
A Day in the Household
Story
A Day in the Household
It was a typical morning in the Harrison household, with the sun streaming through the windows and the smell of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Jane, the mother of the house, was preparing breakfast while her husband, Tom, sorted through the pile of household bills that had accumulated over the week. Their two children, Sam and Lily, were getting ready for school, their chatter echoing through the house as they argued over who would use the bathroom first. Jane glanced at the clock. 'We’ll be late if you don’t hurry up!' she called to them. Meanwhile, Tom was lost in the latest household expenses report. 'Looks like we need to cut back on some household luxuries this month,' he muttered, half to himself. 'Maybe no new household gadgets this time.' Later, as the kids went off to school, Jane decided it was time to tackle some household chores. She pulled out the cleaning supplies she had bought just last week—new eco-friendly products that promised to make her home sparkle without harsh chemicals. As she scrubbed the counters, she thought about the budget again. Every month, it felt like the Harrison household had to stretch its income a little further to cover the basics: groceries, utilities, and the countless household expenses that never seemed to end. After a busy day, the family reunited at home for dinner. 'How was school?' Jane asked, serving spaghetti. The family meal felt like the heart of their household, where stories were shared and plans were made. Despite the challenges of managing the household finances and maintaining their busy lives, they knew that this was their place—their home, their household—and that made all the difference.
Related Words
