If you describe a room or house as homely, you like it because you feel comfortable and relaxed there.
[mainly British, approval]
I wanted a homely room but I wanted it to look smart, too.
We try and provide a very homely atmosphere.
regional note: in AM, usually use homey
Synonyms: comfortable, welcoming, friendly, domestic More Synonyms of homely
2. graded adjective
Homely food is simple and ordinary.
[mainly British]
Scottish baking is homely, comforting and truly good.
Synonyms: plain, simple, natural, ordinary More Synonyms of homely
3. adjective
If you describe a woman as homely, you mean that she has a warm, comforting manner and looks like someone who would enjoy being at home and having a family.
[British]
Mrs Jones was a pleasant, homely person with a ready smile.
4. adjective
If you say that someone is homely, you mean that they are not very attractive to look at.
[US]
The man was homely and overweight.
Synonyms: unattractive, plain, ugly, not striking More Synonyms of homely
homely in British English
(ˈhəʊmlɪ)
adjectiveWord forms: -lier or -liest
1.
characteristic of or suited to the ordinary home; unpretentious
2. (of a person)
a. British
warm and domesticated in manner or appearance
b. mainly US and Canadian
plain or ugly
Derived forms
homeliness (ˈhomeliness)
noun
homely in American English
(ˈhoʊmli)
adjectiveWord forms: ˈhomelier or ˈhomeliest
1. Obsolete
a.
of the home; domestic
b.
homelike
2.
a.
characteristic of or suitable for home or home life; simple and unpretentious or plain and everyday
homely virtues
b.
not elegant or polished; crude
3.
not good-looking or handsome; plain or unattractive
Derived forms
homeliness (ˈhomeliness)
noun
Word origin
ME homli
Examples of 'homely' in a sentence
homely
The rooms are small and trendy, with a homely feel.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The rooms are small and trendy, with a homely feel.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The pub has a homely dining room with lots of local lamb.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
But the staff are relaxed and the food is both homely and stylish.
The Sun (2012)
But you cannot take refuge in the homely house for long.
Christianity Today (2000)
It is comfortable and homely but also very classy.
The Sun (2011)
They make me feel chilled and homely.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
All the cakes are usually quite homely and warm.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Opt for furnishings that make a room homely.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It was meant to feel homely and more peaceful.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He thought this door looked more homely.
Diana Wynne Jones CHARMED LIFE (1977)
It has just five rooms that feel delightfully homely.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Do not make your office look too homely.
Harris, Jean Everything You Need to Know for Success in Business (1990)
Buyers now want a homely and individual look.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
They have a great homely feel.
The Sun (2012)
The houses are homely, but they are not home.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It's comfortable and homely and just mine.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The rooms have a homely feel, with brightly painted walls and printed curtains.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The interior feels very homely and there's a hot tub on the terrace.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
I like the office to have a comfortable and homely feel.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In spite of the scale of the main reception rooms and the high ceilings, the house has a homely warmth.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
I was the one who'd tidy up and make the house more homely.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The inspector said: 'There was a comfortable and homely atmosphere.
The Sun (2007)
Make your bedroom cheerful, warm, and homely to be in.
MacIntyre, Anne M. E. Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome - How To Live With It (1989)
Upstairs, you'll find vintage binoculars in some of the homely rooms.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Two years ago the school moved to a homely Victorian house in Cambridge.
The Sun (2006)
In other languages
homely
British English: homely ADJECTIVE
If you describe a room or house as homely, you like it because you feel comfortable and relaxed there.
I wanted a homely room but I wanted it to look smart, too.