* A residential dwelling: This is the most common usage, referring to a building where people live.
* A company or business: "Maison" can also refer to a fashion house, a publishing house, or any other type of business.
* A building or institution: It can be used for a school, hospital, or other public building.
* A place of origin or provenance: "Maison" can also refer to a place where something is made, like a wine region or a specific type of cheese.
For example, "La maison blanche" is the White House, while "La maison Chanel" is the Chanel fashion house.