noun

bungalow

/ˈbʌŋɡəloʊ/ · say it: BUNG·uh·loh

a low house, typically on one level

In more detail

1. (noun) a small house that is usually one or two stories tall

2. (noun) in India and other countries, a larger house set in its own grounds, often occupied by an official or person of high status

Examples

1. They bought a cozy bungalow near the beach.
2. The colonial administrator lived in a sprawling bungalow with gardens.

How to use bungalow

Bungalow typically refers to a modest, single-story (or occasionally two-story) residential dwelling, common in suburban and coastal areas. In British English, it specifically suggests a retirement home or modest property. In historical Indian English, it denotes a more substantial colonial-era residence with grounds, reflecting its Anglo-Indian origins. The term carries connotations of informality and accessibility.

Common phrases

small bungalow
holiday bungalow
beachfront bungalow
bungalow-style house
rent a bungalow
bungalow community

Synonyms

cottage · small house · dwelling · residence · villa

Opposites

mansion · palace · skyscraper

Word family

bungalows (plural)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes assume all bungalows are one-story; some are two-story. Also, confusing the Indian colonial sense (a large official residence) with the Western sense (a small, modest house) can cause misunderstanding.

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