cohab: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “cohab” mean?
To live together as romantic partners in a committed relationship, especially without being legally married.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To live together as romantic partners in a committed relationship, especially without being legally married.
The act or state of cohabiting, often implying a romantic or domestic partnership distinct from marriage; can also refer more broadly to living together in shared accommodation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The clipped form 'cohab' is more established and somewhat more frequent in British English, particularly in tabloid journalism. In American English, 'cohabit' is strongly preferred in all registers.
Connotations
In UK usage, 'cohab' often carries a slightly sensationalist or gossipy tone when used in media headlines. In both varieties, it implies a modern, less formal relationship status compared to marriage.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in UK headlines; very low frequency in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “cohab” in a Sentence
SUBJ + cohab (+ with + OBJ)SUBJ + cohab + togetherVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cohab” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The celebrity couple have decided to cohab after a whirlwind romance.
- They've been cohabbing for three years now.
American English
- More young couples are choosing to cohab before marriage.
- They cohabbed for a year in Seattle.
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The cohab agreement outlines their financial responsibilities.
- Their cohab status is not recognised in law.
American English
- (Very rare; 'cohabiting' is preferred)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; 'cohabit' is the formal term used in sociological or demographic studies.
Everyday
Used conversationally, especially among younger demographics in the UK.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cohab”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cohab”
- Using 'cohab' as a noun ('They are in a cohab') – it is primarily a verb. Confusing it with 'cohabitate', which is a less standard variant of 'cohabit'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is an established, though informal, clipped form of 'cohabit', recognized in modern dictionaries, particularly those covering contemporary English usage.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Cohab' is simply a shorter, more informal, and journalistic version of 'cohabit'. 'Cohabit' is the standard verb used in formal and general contexts.
It is not recommended for academic essays. The formal term 'cohabit' or the phrase 'live together' should be used instead to maintain an appropriate academic register.
Its primary use is as a verb. While you might occasionally see 'cohab agreement' (a clipping of 'cohabitation agreement'), the noun form is not standard. Use 'cohabitation' for the noun.
To live together as romantic partners in a committed relationship, especially without being legally married.
Cohab is usually informal, journalistic in register.
Cohab: in British English it is pronounced /kəʊˈhæb/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈhæb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “shack up (slang, informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COuple + HABitat' = a couple sharing their habitat.
Conceptual Metaphor
A RELATIONSHIP IS A SHARED DOMESTIC SPACE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cohab' MOST appropriately used?