realty
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of realty
First recorded in 1400–50, realty is from the late Middle English word realte. See real 1, -ty 2
Compare meaning
How does realty compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
The noun realty is another way to talk about real estate or property. If you want to sell or buy a house, it's a good idea to hire a realty agent to help you do it. Buildings, houses, and condominiums are all realty; they're not just places to live, work, or store things, but they're property that belongs to someone. The word realty was first used in the 17th century, from real. Earlier, the term "real property" was a legal term meaning "immovable property," or permanent structures and land that could be bought and sold.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sila Realty Trust will be acquired by certain affiliates of Blue Owl Capital in an all-cash transaction valued at about $2.4 billion.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026
If it sells at that price, it will beat the area’s $12 million record, which was set in 2025, said listing agent Ben Bowen of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
Realty Income’s portfolio includes about 15,500 properties in 10 countries.
From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026
Nor did he drop by Absolute Realty to introduce himself to Alfredo.
From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026
Two others were in the haberdashery business, one had a graphic design studio, another made feather hats, and another worked in the finance department at Tishman Realty.
From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
