Lodger: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in British English to describe someone who rents a room in someone else's house. It implies a sense of sharing living spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens.

• The lodger pays rent every month for the room in Mrs. Smith's house.
• As a lodger, John had access to the kitchen and the living room.

A general term used for someone who rents an entire property (like an apartment or house) from a landlord. This term is more formal and implies a contractual relationship.

• The tenant signed a one-year lease for the apartment.
• The landlord checks in regularly to see if the tenants are maintaining the property.

Used to describe someone who receives regular meals in addition to lodging, usually in a private home or boarding house. This term is also often used for students who stay at a boarding school.

• The boarder enjoyed three meals a day prepared by the host family.
• At the boarding school, she was a boarder who stayed during the school term.

Commonly used in American English to describe someone who rents a room in another person's house. It suggests a more informal or short-term arrangement compared to 'tenant'.

• The roomer moved in for the summer while interning at the company nearby.
• As a roomer, she didn't have access to the entire house.