squatter
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈskwɒtə/
KK: /ˈskwɑːtər/
noun
Definition
A person who lives in or uses a building or land without the owner's permission or legal right.
Example
The squatter had been living in the abandoned house for months without anyone noticing.
Conversation
Did you hear about that squatter who moved into the old house on Maple Street?
Yeah, I can't believe someone would just take over a place like that!
It's pretty wild, right? I wonder if they'll try to claim it as their own.
I hope they get kicked out soon; that house needs a proper owner.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
occupant
trespasser
settler
Antonyms
owner
landlord
proprietor
verb
Definition
Not a valid English word.
Example
Not available
Tense Forms
Past: Not available
Past Participle: Not available
Conversation
Did you see how the kids squatter through the puddles in the park yesterday?
Yeah, it looked like so much fun!
I wish I could squatter like that without getting my shoes soaked.
Root Explanation
**Squatter** → The word originates from the verb 'squat' (from Middle English *squatten*, meaning to sit or settle) and the suffix '-er' (meaning a person who). A squatter is a person who settles on land or property without legal permission.
Memory Tip
Think of someone 'settling' ('squat') in a place without permission — the '-er' just means a person. This helps you remember that a squatter is someone who occupies land unlawfully.
Visually Confused Words
squitter
swatter
stutter
sputter
spatter
smutter
smatter
slutter