lease
lease Lexical Profile
lease Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A contract by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc. to another for a specified time, usually in return for a periodic payment.
"They signed a two-year lease on the downtown apartment before moving in."
The period of time for which a rental contract remains in force, or the property held under such an agreement.
"When our lease expires next month, we plan to buy a house in the suburbs."
The system of crossing warp threads in a loom to keep them separate and in order during weaving.
"The weaver carefully checked the lease on the loom before starting the pattern."
• verb
To take or hold (property, vehicles, or equipment) under a formal rental contract for a specified period.
"Many small businesses prefer to lease office equipment rather than purchase it outright."
To grant the possession or use of (land, buildings, or equipment) to another party by a formal contract for a specified period and rent.
"The municipal government decided to lease the historic building to a local arts council."
Word Nuance & Usage
The verb 'lease' can refer to either side of the transaction: a landlord leases property out to a tenant, and a tenant leases property from a landlord.
• Rhymes for lease
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French 'les' (a letting), derived from the verb 'lesser' (to let, leave), which comes from Latin 'laxare' (to loosen or slacken).