Hovel

A small, simple, often crude and dilapidated dwelling; a shack. The term often implies poverty, squalor, and a lack of basic amenities. Historically, hovels were common dwellings for the impoverished, the rural working class, or those displaced by war or natural disasters. They are characterized by their poor construction, limited space, and rudimentary furnishings. A hovel often lacks proper insulation, sanitation, and sometimes even windows, representing a stark contrast to more comfortable and well-equipped homes. The word evokes images of hardship and destitution and is frequently used in literature and historical accounts to depict the living conditions of the underprivileged.

Hovel meaning with examples

• The refugees, displaced by the ongoing conflict, were forced to take shelter in a makeshift hovel, constructed from salvaged scraps of wood and corrugated iron. Despite its flimsiness, it offered a semblance of protection from the harsh weather.
• Living in the cramped hovel was a daily struggle, with a leaky roof and dirt floor. The family persevered through hardship and dreamed of a better life outside of their current environment. They knew that they would one day escape their situation.
• The artist, capturing the somber atmosphere of the slums, painted a detailed depiction of a decaying hovel, emphasizing its broken windows and crumbling walls. The stark contrast with wealthy dwellings was a visual reminder of the economic disparity.
• After the storm, the small community was filled with fear and panic. While most of the dwellings of the town had lost their roofs and their walls, the only homes left intact were the ones built around the edges of the town, though they were still considered to be hovels.