# letting

/ˈɫɛtɪŋ/ (US) · /lˈɛtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/letting
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. a rental agreement

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a period of time when a property is rented to someone.

For teachers: the act of renting out a property, or the specific period of a tenancy agreement.

- The agency specialises in short-term lettings for business travellers.
- The landlord decided to terminate the letting after the tenant repeatedly failed to adhere to the noise regulations specified in the contract.

Usage: Commonly used in the context of 'short-term letting' or 'holiday letting'.

### 3. awarding a contract

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Formal

the act of giving a public job or contract to a specific company.

For teachers: the formal process of awarding a public contract, typically for construction or services.

- The city announced the letting of the new bridge contract yesterday.
- The state highway department delayed the letting of several major paving contracts due to unexpected budgetary constraints.

Usage: Often used in government or municipal contexts regarding infrastructure projects.

## Examples

- The letting of the apartment took longer than expected.
- The agency specializes in residential lettings for students and young professionals in the city center.
- Changes in local tax laws have made the short-term letting of holiday homes significantly less profitable for independent landlords this year.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.