roomer
/'rumə/
Definition
Noun: A roomer is a person who rents and lives in a single room within a house or building, typically from the owner or primary tenant. This arrangement usually does not involve renting an entire apartment or house.
Usage
The word "roomer" specifically describes a type of tenant. It is used to distinguish someone renting a room from someone renting an entire property. * He has been a roomer in Mrs. Smith's house for two years. * To help with the mortgage, she decided to take in a roomer.
Advanced Usage
- Legal Distinction: In some rental agreements and local laws, a "roomer" or "lodger" may have different legal rights compared to a tenant who rents an entire, self-contained unit.
- Historical Context: The term was more common in the early to mid-20th century, often associated with boarding houses.
Variants and Related Words
- Lodger (noun): A very close synonym for "roomer," a person who pays to live in a room in someone's house.
- Boarder (noun): A person who receives meals (board) in addition to a rented room.
- Tenant (noun): A broader term for any person who rents property from a landlord.
Synonyms
- Lodger
- Boarder (when meals are included)
Antonyms
- Landlord
- Homeowner
- Live-in owner
Noun
-
a tenant in someone's house
