Apartment: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in American English to refer to a set of rooms forming an individual residence, typically on one floor and within a larger building.

• They just moved into a new apartment in the city.
• Her apartment has a beautiful view of the park.

Commonly used in British English to refer to a set of rooms forming an individual residence within a larger building, similar to 'apartment' in American English.

• He lives in a flat in central London.
• Their flat is on the third floor.

Typically used in regions like Australia and New Zealand to refer to an apartment or flat within a larger complex. Also used in real estate contexts to refer to any individual accommodation.

• They're renting a unit in a new development.
• The unit has two bedrooms and a spacious living area.

Refers to a condominium, a type of residential property where individuals own their apartments and share ownership of common areas. Best used in North American contexts.

• She bought a condo near the beach.
• The condo comes with access to a pool and gym.

Used to describe a self-contained housing unit within a larger building. Commonly used in formal or neutral contexts when discussing housing.

• She just moved into a new apartment downtown.
• The apartment has two bedrooms and a nice view of the river.

Describes a property available for rent. Often used in contexts discussing the rental market or when specifying that a property is not for sale.

• They are looking for a rental in the city center.
• The rental prices have gone up this year.

Refers to the contract or agreement for renting an apartment or property. Commonly used in legal or business contexts.

• She signed a one-year lease for her new apartment.
• The lease terms are very strict about pets.

Informal and often used by students or young people to describe temporary or less formal living arrangements. Can sometimes have a slightly casual or even negative connotation.

• I've found some digs near the university.
• His digs are pretty basic, but they're cheap.