tenant

[ ten-uhnt ]

noun

1. a person or group that rents and occupies land, a house, an office, or the like, from another for a period of time; lessee.
2. Law. a person who holds or possesses for a time lands, tenements, or personalty of another, usually for rent.
3. an occupant or inhabitant of any place.

verb (used with object)

1. to hold or occupy as a tenant; dwell in; inhabit.

verb (used without object)

1. to dwell or live (usually followed by in ).

tenant

/ ˈtɛnənt /

noun

1. a person who holds, occupies, or possesses land or property by any kind of right or title, esp from a landlord under a lease
2. a person who has the use of a house, flat, etc, subject to the payment of rent
3. any holder or occupant

verb

1. tr to hold (land or property) as a tenant
2. rare.
   intrfoll byin to dwell

Derived Forms

• ˈtenant-ˌlike, adjective
• ˈtenantable, adjective
• ˈtenantless, adjective

Other Words From

• tenant·a·ble adjective
• tenant·less adjective
• tenant·like adjective
• non·tenant noun
• non·tenant·a·ble adjective
• un·tenant·a·ble adjective
• un·tenant·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenant¹

1250–1300; Middle English tena ( u ) nt < Anglo-French; Middle French tenant, noun use of present participle of tenir to hold ≪ Latin tenēre. See -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenant¹

C14: from Old French, literally: (one who is) holding, from tenir to hold, from Latin tenēre

Example Sentences

But having watched for years as housing costs put ownership increasingly out of reach while the cost of rent keeps tenants struggling, advocates say it’s time to take a different approach to home ownership.

From Los Angeles Times

Some tenant advocates feared that by opening up existing multifamily areas to significant new development, it would cause a wave of displacement as existing buildings are knocked down.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the current rules, tenants have to repay this discount to the council if they then sell the property on within five years of buying.

From BBC

Dozens of tenants at an affordable housing complex for arts and entertainment workers are in rebellion amid a dispute over a rent increase and other alleged issues at the Hollywood property.

From Los Angeles Times

She said electrical works were not permitted in council properties and that this was made clear to tenants “at several points” in the tenancy sign-in.

From BBC

Related Words

• dweller
• holder
• inhabitant
• occupant
• renter
• resident