What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
orphanage
Example
The orphanage took in the child after their parents passed away. [orphanage: noun]
Example
She volunteered at the local orphanage to help care for the children. [orphanage: noun]
shelter
Example
The homeless man found shelter at the local community center. [shelter: noun]
Example
We took shelter in the basement during the tornado warning. [shelter: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shelter is more commonly used than orphanage in everyday language. Shelter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while orphanage is less common and refers specifically to a facility for children without parental care.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between orphanage and shelter?
While orphanage is typically associated with a more formal tone, shelter is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.