A house is a building used as a house, ranging from simple dwellings (such as primitive huts of nomadic tribes and simple huts in shantytowns) to complex fixed structures of wood, brick, concrete or other materials containing piping, ventilation and electrical systems. The house uses a variety of roof systems to prevent rain (such as rain) from entering the residential space. Houses may have doors or locks to ensure living space and protect their residents and objects from thieves or other intruders. Most traditional modern houses in western culture will include one or more bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen or cooking area and a living room. A house can have a separate dining room, or the dining area can be integrated into another room. Some large houses in North America have recreation rooms. In the traditional agriculture oriented society, livestock such as chicken or larger livestock (such as cattle) may share part of the house with human beings. The social unit that lives in the house is called the family.

The most common is that the family is a family unit, although the family may also be other social groups, such as roommates, or unrelated individuals in the room. Some houses can only accommodate one family or people of similar size; larger houses called townhouses or townhouses may contain many family houses in the same structure. Houses may be accompanied by ancillary buildings such as garages for vehicles or sheds for gardening equipment and tools. Houses may have backyards or front yards, which are other areas where residents can relax or eat.