tenancy

[ ten-uhn-see ]

noun

, plural ten·an·cies.

1. a holding, as of lands, by any kind of title; occupancy of land, a house, or the like, under a lease or on payment of rent; tenure.
2. the period of a tenant's occupancy.
3. occupancy or enjoyment of a position, post, situation, etc.:

   her tenancy as professor of history at the state university.

4. Archaic. a piece of land held by a tenant; holding.

tenancy

/ ˈtɛnənsɪ /

noun

1. the temporary possession or holding by a tenant of lands or property owned by another
2. the period of holding or occupying such property
3. the period of holding office, a position, etc
4. property held or occupied by a tenant

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenancy¹

First recorded in 1570–80; ten(ant) + -ancy; compare Medieval Latin tenantia, variant of tenentia

Example Sentences

“Westminster has comprehensively abided by all federal, state, and local orders regarding residential tenancies during the Covid-19 pandemic … and will faithfully continue to do so,” the statement said.

From Washington Post

A California family is struggling to evict their now-fired live-in nanny—and tenancy laws are on her side.

From The Daily Beast

On the other hand the letting of an entire floor for lodgings may create a tenancy, and so may even a single room.

From Project Gutenberg

And also point out authorities bearing upon the customs of Celtic agricultural tenancy?

From Project Gutenberg

Will any antiquary versed in Celtic customs explain whether this claim of possession grew out of any Celtic usage of tenancy?

From Project Gutenberg

Whether he only wanted them during his tenancy or meant to keep them afterwards, we never knew.

From Project Gutenberg

The motion was supported by Mr. Hume, on the ground that seven years was too long a tenancy of a political trust.

From Project Gutenberg