lessee

noun

les·​see le-ˈsē 

: one that holds real or personal property under a lease

Synonyms of lessee

• tenant

Examples of lessee in a Sentence

the lessee has the right to expect the lessor to make all necessary repairs in a timely manner

Recent Examples on the Web

More than half the current tenants are original lessees. — Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 June 2026

The restaurant lessee is expected to rebuild, but so far no firm plans have been announced. — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

After the term of the lease, the lessee would have the option to purchase the capital improvement for $1 if certain conditions are met. — Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026

The owner and lessee will bear the responsibility of clearing the debris and alleviating some of the effects of the fire and its aftermath, Moore said, including looking for ways to mitigate debris flowing out of the warehouse, and the smell emitted by the rotting food. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from lessé, past participle of lesser to lease — more at lease

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lessee

• be
• bee
• bree
• cree
• fee
• flea
• flee
• free
• gee
• ghee
• glee
• he

Kids Definition

lessee

noun

les·​see le-ˈsē 

: a person holding or occupying property under a lease

Legal Definition

lessee

noun

les·​see le-ˈsē 

: a person who has possession of real or personal property under a lease

specifically : a tenant of real property under a lease