homebody: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal
Quick answer
What does “homebody” mean?
A person who prefers staying at home to engaging in social activities outside.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who prefers staying at home to engaging in social activities outside.
A person who enjoys the comforts and pursuits of domestic life, often showing little interest in travel, parties, or large gatherings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both dialects with identical meaning.
Connotations
Slightly more common in AmE, but well-understood in BrE. In BrE, 'homebird' is a near-synonym.
Frequency
Common in AmE, moderately common in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “homebody” in a Sentence
to be a homebodyto become a homebodyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homebody” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She's got a real homebody vibe about her.
American English
- He's got that homebody personality.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; in HR, might appear in personality profiles.
Academic
Rare in formal texts; appears in sociology or cultural studies.
Everyday
Common in conversation and lifestyle descriptions.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homebody”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homebody”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homebody”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'He is very homebody' - INCORRECT). Correct: 'He is a real homebody.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's generally a neutral or positive description of someone who enjoys domestic life.
Informally, yes (e.g., 'homebody vibes'), but traditionally it's a noun. The standard adjectival form is 'home-loving'.
A homebody chooses home for comfort but may socialize there; a recluse actively avoids social contact.
'Homebird' is a close British equivalent, though 'homebody' is also widely understood.
A person who prefers staying at home to engaging in social activities outside.
Homebody is usually informal in register.
Homebody: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊmbɒdi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊmbɑːdi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Home is where the heart is.”
- “A nest of one's own.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOME + BODY = a person whose body prefers to stay at home.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOME AS A SHELL / NEST (a protective, comfortable space one inhabits).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase describes someone who is the opposite of a homebody?