lessee

American  

[le-see] / lɛˈsi /

noun

1. a person, group, etc., to whom a lease is granted.

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lessee British  

/ lɛˈsiː /

noun

1. a person to whom a lease is granted; a tenant under a lease

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Other Word Forms

• lesseeship noun
• underlessee noun

Etymology

Origin of lessee

1485–95; < Anglo-French. See lease ¹, -ee

Compare meaning

How does lessee compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• lessor vs. lessee

Example Sentences

Jefferies doesn’t expect the government to reinstate the tax, citing last year’s Oilfields Development Bill, which stipulates that petroleum lease terms should remain stable and not be altered to the disadvantage of the lessee.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The 10-year leases may be extended “if the lessee establishes production or provides proof of diligent exploration,” the BLM said.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2025

“The lessee made these changes, which is allowed and we support because they enhance salmon protection along the Ballard Locks.”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 26, 2022

“We must be consistent in how we apply lease terms to ensure that no lessee receives special treatment.”

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2022

Tack′ling, furniture or apparatus belonging to the masts, yards, &c. of a ship: harness for drawing a carriage: tackle or instruments; Tacks′man, a tenant or lessee.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various