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

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."

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 notes

In plain EnglishA person occupying land or a building that isn't legally theirs.

Common pairings

illegal squatter squatter's rights

Word forms

squatters plural

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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."

Rhymes for squatter

matter batter hatter latter patter scatter shatter flatter chatter clatter spatter platter

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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.