noun
squatter
SKWO-tuh
Squatter (noun) means someone who lives in a building or on land without owning it or having permission. Example: “Squatters had moved into the derelict flat above the shop.”
noun
1
Someone who lives in a building or on land without owning it or having permission.
"Squatters had moved into the derelict flat above the shop."
"The council sent notice to the squatters to vacate."
2
Historical (Australia): a large-scale landowner or grazier, especially one who originally settled on Crown land.
"The squatter ran thousands of sheep across the outback station."
How to use squatter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person occupying land or a building that isn't legally theirs.
Common pairings
illegal squatter
squatter's rights
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Word forms
- Plural
- squatters
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ had moved into the derelict flat above the shop.
Etymology
From squat + the agent suffix -er — literally "one who squats."
Synonyms
View more →
homesteader
nester
Rhymes for squatter
See all rhymes for squatter →Frequently asked questions
What does “squatter” mean?
The word “squatter” means someone who lives in a building or on land without owning it or having permission. In plain terms, a person occupying land or a building that isn't legally theirs.
How do you pronounce “squatter”?
“Squatter” is pronounced SKWO-tuh (/ˈskwɑ.təɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “squatter” in a sentence?
Here is “squatter” used in a sentence: “Squatters had moved into the derelict flat above the shop.”
What part of speech is “squatter”?
“Squatter” is a noun.
How many meanings does “squatter” have?
“Squatter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who lives in a building or on land without owning it or having permission.
