possessory

adjective

pos·​ses·​so·​ry pə-ˈze-sə-rē 

-ˈzes-rē

also -ˈse-sə-rē

or -ˈses-rē

1

: of, arising from, or having the nature of possession

possessory rights

2

: having possession

3

: characteristic of a possessor : possessive

Examples of possessory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Violating Maryland law Under Maryland law, a housing cooperative must offer members shares in the corporation and a possessory interest in real property. — Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 25 May 2026

Someone who has been staying in your home for an extended period, even without a formal lease, may have certain possessory rights. — Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2026

After the possessory term, the other half of the home can transfer to a separate QPRT for the prime benefit of the descendants. — Alan Gassman, Forbes, 3 June 2021

The numbers were based on sales, hotel, property and possessory interest taxes. — Phillip Molnar, sandiegouniontribune.com, 12 July 2018

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for possessory

• accessory
• intercessory
• pessary

Legal Definition

possessory

adjective

pos·​ses·​so·​ry pə-ˈze-sə-rē 

1

: of, arising from, involving, or having the nature of possession

possessory rights

a possessory action

2

: having possession

a possessory owner