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domestic

/dəˈmɛstɪk/

When used as an adjective, "domestic" can refer to things inside a house or things inside a country. Be careful not to confuse the two; context usually makes it clear whether you are talking about home life or national affairs. As a noun, referring to a person who works in a home (a "domestic") is now considered quite old-fashioned and formal. In modern English, people usually say "housekeeper" or "domestic worker" instead.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon; David is at a conference, Jessica is managing the office.
Jessica

The client wants to pivot. Are we sticking with domestic shipping or going global?

Jessica
David
David

Let's keep it domestic for now. Don't want to bite off more than we can chew.

💡
The conversation centers on the 'domestic' (national vs international) scope of a business project. David uses the idiom 'bite off more than we can chew' to suggest they shouldn't take on more responsibility or risk than they can handle.

Meanings

adjective

Relating to the running of a home or to family relations.

"She enjoys domestic activities like baking and gardening."

adjective

Existing or occurring inside a particular country; not foreign or international.

"The airline operates both domestic and international flights."

adjective

Used for use in the home rather than for industrial purposes.

"This is a small-scale domestic appliance designed for home kitchens."

adjective

Tame; not wild.

"Dogs were among the first domestic animals."

noun

A person employed to do domestic work in a private household.

"The family hired a domestic to help with the cleaning and cooking."

Examples

I just can't handle these domestic chores anymore, seriously!

Is this a domestic or international flight, exactly?

My domestic life is basically a complete disaster right now.

Wait, this domestic appliance is actually sparking! Get back!

We only accept domestic shipping for this specific item.

I prefer a domestic breed for my first pet.

She is looking for a domestic to help out.

He handles all the domestic arrangements for the family.

Do you have any domestic flights available for tomorrow?

This is a standard domestic vacuum cleaner, nothing fancy.

Related Words

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error