property

noun prop·er·ty \ˈprä-pər-tē\

: something that is owned by a person, business, etc.

: a piece of land often with buildings on it that is owned by a person, business, etc.

: a special quality or characteristic of something

plural prop·er·ties

Full Definition of PROPERTY

a : a quality or trait belonging and especially peculiar to an individual or thing

b : an effect that an object has on another object or on the senses

c : virtue 3

d : an attribute common to all members of a class

a : something owned or possessed; specifically : a piece of real estate

b : the exclusive right to possess, enjoy, and dispose of a thing : ownership

c : something to which a person or business has a legal title

d : one (as a performer) who is under contract and whose work is especially valuable

e : a book or script purchased for publication or production

: an article or object used in a play or motion picture except painted scenery and costumes

— prop·er·ty·less \-ləs\ adjective

— prop·er·ty·less·ness \-nəs\ noun

See property defined for English-language learners

See property defined for kids

Origin of PROPERTY

Middle English proprete, from Anglo-French propreté, from Latin proprietat-, proprietas, from proprius own

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PROPERTY

Synonyms: parcel, plat, plot, lot, tract

Synonym Discussion of PROPERTY

quality, property, character, attribute mean an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified. quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic <material with a silky quality>. property implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species <the property of not conducting heat>. character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class <remarks of an unseemly character>. attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being <the attributes of a military hero>.