Definition

A person who owns land or property outright, without any time limit on ownership.

Example

The freeholder decided to renovate the old building on his property.

Conversation

I just found out my uncle is a freeholder of several properties.

Oh really? That sounds interesting! What does that mean exactly?

It means he owns the land and the buildings on it without any restrictions.

That's cool! I didn't know that was a thing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Freeholder → It is formed from "free" (from Old English "freo", meaning not in bondage or liberated) and "holder" (from Old English "healdan", meaning to hold). A freeholder is someone who holds land or property without any obligations to a superior, thus being free in their ownership.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'liberated' ('free') and 'holds' property — a freeholder is someone who owns land without restrictions.

Visually Confused Words