sublease

American  

[suhb-lees, suhb-lees] / ˈsʌbˌlis, sʌbˈlis /

noun

1. a lease granted by one who is already a lessee of a property, as an apartment.

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verb (used with object)

subleased, subleasing

1. to grant a sublease of.

2. to take or hold a sublease of.

sublease British  

/ ˌsʌblɛˈsiː, ˌsʌblɛˈsɔː /

noun

1. a lease of property made by a person who is himself a lessee or tenant of that property

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verb

1. to grant a sublease of (property); sublet

2. (tr) to take, obtain, or hold by sublease

Other Word Forms

• sublessee
  noun
• sublessor
  noun

Etymology

Origin of sublease

First recorded in 1820–30; sub- + lease ¹

Example Sentences

He was jailed for convictions including several peaceful protests and a fraud charge related to a sublease of his media company’s offices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Moving around the new store in his wheelchair, Spencer says they have a four-year sublease to see how things work out, but he’s clearly excited to talk about his ambitions.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2024

Petersen also has rescinded dozens of employment offers not tied to the company's core businesses and announced plans to sublease unused office space.

From Reuters • Sep. 12, 2023

It also let high-profile podcast deals lapse and is looking to sublease floors in its New York City office.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 22, 2023

"I wonder," he remarked without meeting his employer's eyes, "if he would sublease it?"

From The Desert Fiddler by Hamby, William H. (William Henry)

Related Words

• appoint
• bring in
• draft
• employ
• engage
• enlist
• lease
• obtain
• pick
• promise
• rent
• retain
• select