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let

v. · n.
US //ˈɫɛt// UK //lˈɛt// let
Irregular verb past let past participle let
  1. 1 to rent out (v.)
    B1 Intermediate British English

    to allow someone to live in a house or room in exchange for money.

    to grant the use or occupation of property in exchange for rent. This usage is common in British English.

    Example

    They decided to let their spare room to a university student.

    Example

    The agency specializes in letting luxury apartments to corporate clients on short-term contracts.
  2. 2 to release (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to allow a liquid or gas to flow out of something.

    to cause or allow the escape or release of a fluid or gas from a container.

    Example

    He let the air out of the tyres so the bike would be easier to store.

    Example

    The technician carefully let the steam out of the valve to reduce the pressure inside the boiler.
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  1. 3 a rental (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a period of time when a property is rented out.

    an instance or period of renting out a property; often used to describe the property itself in a commercial context.

    Example

    The cottage is available for a short-term let during the summer months.

    Example

    After the previous tenants moved out, the landlord struggled to find a suitable long-term let for the commercial space.
  2. 4 tennis serve (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Sport

    a situation in tennis where the ball hits the net but still lands in the right area.

    a serve that touches the net but lands in the correct service box, requiring the server to repeat the attempt.

    Example

    The umpire called a let, so the player had to serve again.

    Example

    The match was momentarily interrupted by a let, forcing the server to reset her focus before the second attempt.

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