habitat
HAB-ih-tat
/ˈhæbɪtæt/
The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
Focuses on the specific conditions (food, water, shelter) required for a particular species to survive.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'habitare', meaning 'to dwell'. It was originally used in Latin texts to describe where a plant or animal 'dwells' or is found.
Word relationships
- environment: Environment is broader, including all surroundings; habitat is species-specific.
Commonly confused with
- ecosystem: A habitat is a place; an ecosystem is the interaction between living things and their environment.
Word family
- habitation (noun): The act of living in a place.
Collocations
- natural habitat
- habitat loss
- habitat destruction
Example sentences
- "The panda's natural habitat is restricted to a few mountain ranges in central China." Wildlife conservation
- "The woods are the habitat of the deer and the squirrel." Classic literature
Memory hook
A 'habitat' is where an animal 'habits' (lives). Habitat = Habit (living) + at (place).
When not to use
Avoid using for human residences unless speaking metaphorically or humorously.
Fun facts
- The word was originally used as the third person singular present of 'habitare', meaning 'it dwells'.
Related words
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