tenant

¹ten·ant

noun \ˈte-nənt\

Definition of TENANT

1

a : one who holds or possesses real estate or sometimes personal property (as a security) by any kind of right b : one who has the occupation or temporary possession of lands or tenements of another; specifically : one who rents or leases (as a house) from a landlord

2

: occupant, dweller

— ten·ant·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of TENANT

1. A tenant is now leasing the apartment.
2. <the laundry in the basement is for tenants only>

Origin of TENANT

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from present participle of tenir to hold

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TENANT

Synonyms: boarder, lessee, lodger, renter, roomer

Antonyms: landlord, lessor, letter

Related Words: cotenant, subtenant; flatmate [chiefly British], roommate (also roomie); guest, visitor; occupant, occupier, resident, resider

Near Antonyms: laird [chiefly Scottish], landholder, landowner, proprietor; landlady; slumlord; host, innkeeper, proprietor

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with TENANT

pennant