Rent: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone pays money for the use of something (like a house, car, or equipment) usually for a short or medium amount of time.

• We need to find an apartment to rent in the city.
• I want to rent a car for my vacation.

Often used for a formal agreement where someone pays to use a property or equipment for a long period, usually including terms and conditions.

• They decided to lease office space in the downtown area.
• We signed a three-year lease for the new machinery.

Typically used when someone pays to use something for a short period, particularly services or movable objects like vehicles.

• We should hire a taxi to get to the airport.
• She decided to hire a professional photographer for the wedding.

A British term that refers specifically to renting out property, typically used by landlords and real estate agents.

• The letting agency helped us find tenants for our apartment.
• They are considering letting their house while they are abroad.

In this case, it's about the owner allowing someone else to use their property temporarily in exchange for money.

• She rents rooms to university students.
• They rent their cottage during the winter.

This term is used for long-term rental agreements, especially when referring to properties or vehicles. It entails a contract and often includes specific terms and conditions.

• We decided to lease the office space for five years.
• She leased a new car last month.

This word is commonly used when you temporarily pay for the use of someone's skills or services, or to use equipment and vehicles for a short period.

• We decided to hire a private chef for the party.
• Let's hire a bike for the day.

Primarily used in British English, this phrase means to allow someone to use your property in exchange for money over a set period, mostly in the context of real estate.

• They let out their spare room to tourists.
• He decided to let out his flat during the summer.