Search Dictionary
Definition of homeliness

homeliness

/ˈhoʊm.li.nəs/
home · li · ness
Adverb:homelily
•
Adjective:homely
JUMP TO:

homeliness Lexical Profile

homeliness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American The quality or state of being plain, ordinary, or unattractive in physical appearance.

Example

"The portrait artist made no attempt to flatter the sitter, capturing the rugged homeliness of his weathered features."

2

British The quality of being simple, cozy, and welcoming in a domestic or unpretentious way.

Example

"Visitors immediately appreciated the warm homeliness of the country cottage, with its crackling hearth and worn armchairs."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for homeliness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for homeliness

Word Nuance & Usage

In British English, 'homeliness' is a positive term referring to cozy, unpretentious domestic warmth, whereas in North American English it typically carries a negative connotation of physical plainness or unattractiveness.

• Nearby Words

homeless
homelessness
homelike
homeliness
homely
homemade
homemaker

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as 'homlinesse', from 'homely' (derived from Old English 'hām' meaning 'home') plus the noun-forming suffix '-ness'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Homeliness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/homeliness
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.