cohabit

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to live together as an intimate couple, especially without being married

   The couple chose to cohabit for several years before marrying.

2. 2
   verb

   to live or exist together in the same place or environment

   Several species can cohabit in the enclosure if each has enough space.

3. 3
   verb

   formal or archaic: to have sexual intercourse

   The old statute attempted to regulate when spouses might cohabit.

From Latin cohabitare, 'to dwell together,' formed from co-, 'together,' and habitare, 'to live or dwell,' the frequentative of habere, 'to have or hold.' The intimate-partner and sexual senses developed from the broader idea of sharing a household.

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