easement

American  

[eez-muhnt] / ˈiz mənt /

noun

1. Law. a right held by one property owner to make use of the land of another for a limited purpose, as right of passage.

2. an easing; relief.

3. something that gives ease; a convenience.

4. Architecture. a curved joint.

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easement British  

/ ˈiːzmənt /

noun

1. property law the right enjoyed by a landowner of making limited use of his neighbour's land, as by crossing it to reach his own property

2. the act of easing or something that brings ease

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Etymology

Origin of easement

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English esement, from Old French aisement, from aise ease + -ment -ment

Example Sentences

At a March 2025 gathering at Town Hall, the council voted to claim a public easement on Horning’s land.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

"If they can win over just enough to clear enough hurdles to get the next easement or next little contract or permit approved, they know they'll be able to get their work done."

From Salon • Aug. 20, 2024

At a cost of $5,000 to $20,000 for each easement, much of it going to pay lawyers, safeguarding history is not cheap.

From New York Times • Jan. 30, 2024

Eventually, the resident next door said the easement was terminated over nonuse.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2024

He meant with your mind, and Will did it instantly, sensing the minute snags and then the minute easement as the edges lined up perfectly.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman