noun

usufruct

YOO-zuh-frukt

Quiz me More like this

Usufruct (noun) means the legal right to use property belonging to someone else and to take the profit or benefit from it, provided the property itself is not damaged. Example: “The widow was granted usufruct of the family farm for the rest of her life.”

noun

formal The legal right to use property belonging to someone else and to take the profit or benefit from it, provided the property itself is not damaged.

"The widow was granted usufruct of the family farm for the rest of her life."

"Under the agreement, he held usufruct of the land but not ownership of it."

"The court had to decide who held usufruct over the shared estate."

verb

formal To use property belonging to someone else and take the profit or benefit from it.

"Tenants were permitted to usufruct the orchard's fruit each season."

"She usufructed the pasture without ever owning it outright."

How to use usufruct

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsufruct is the legal right to use and benefit from someone else's property without owning it.

When to use it

It is a technical legal term, rarely used outside law or formal writing.

Memory tip

Link the two Latin roots in your mind: use plus fruit, meaning you get to use the fruits of something without owning it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

grant usufruct hold usufruct usufruct of the land usufruct rights

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like usufruct.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “usufruct” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The widow was granted _____ of the family farm for the rest of her life.

Etymology

Usufruct comes from Late Latin usufructus, itself joining usus (use) and fructus (fruit or produce), reflecting the idea of using the fruits of something owned by another.

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does usufruct mean?

It is a legal term for the right to use someone else's property and benefit from it, as long as you do not damage it.

Who normally has a usufruct?

A usufruct is typically granted to a person other than the owner, such as a family member, allowing them to use and benefit from property they do not own.

Is usufruct the same as ownership?

No, usufruct only gives the right to use and profit from property; ownership itself stays with someone else.

What is the meaning of usufruct?

"usufruct" (noun) means the legal right to use property belonging to someone else and to take the profit or benefit from it, provided the property itself is not damaged.