squatter

[ skwot-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that squats.
2. a person who settles on land or occupies property without title, right, or payment of rent.
3. a person who settles on land under government regulation, in order to acquire title.

squatter

/ ˈskwɒtə /

noun

1. a person who occupies property or land to which he has no legal title
2. in Australia
   1. (formerly) a person who occupied a tract of land, esp pastoral land, as tenant of the Crown
   2. a farmer of sheep or cattle on a large scale
3. (in New Zealand) a 19th-century settler who took up large acreage on a Crown lease

Other Words From

• squatter·dom noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of squatter¹

First recorded in 1775–85; squat + -er ¹

Example Sentences

“I’m not a squatter, and I’ve never been a squatter,” Steve said.

From Voice of San Diego

Remains of the ancient squatters were preserved in rocks laid down as seafloor sediments about 500 million years ago in what is now southern China.

From Science News

The squatters acted surprised but still took their sweet time to gather their things and leave.

From Search Engine Land

Examples of innovative activism have emerged, including a movement of socialist rural squatters distributing thousands of tons of food to hungry families.

From Ozy

And thanks to the heavy police presence, the squatter houses were quiet, too.

From The Daily Beast

Many people remain stuck in all-black townships and fetid squatter camps, with no water, indoor toilets, or electricity.

From The Daily Beast

The bakery she had founded was now occupied by a squatter who had never heard of the structure's former incarnation.

From The Daily Beast

I don't know much about goats, so will pass them, though I very much doubt if any Australian squatter would give them grass room.

From Project Gutenberg

The friends strode briskly on, and a little after eleven o'clock they came upon a small squatter's house and premises.

From Project Gutenberg

The twisting fingers entangled themselves in the tawny curls, drawing the squatter down until her face was almost in the box.

From Project Gutenberg

The old man amid the branches bent toward the squatter, and held out his waving arms.

From Project Gutenberg

Elias Graves' beautiful daughter sank on the breast of the squatter, and there was a kiss of forgiveness.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• settler