English Reference

Word

owner

Phoneticsown·er, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈoʊnɝ/

UK/ˈəʊnɐ/

Definitions

01person who possesses something

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a person who has something that belongs to them.

n. a person who has the legal right or title to property, an object, or an animal.

“The new owner of the house plans to paint the front door bright red.”

“The legal owner of the estate was required to provide proof of purchase before the renovation permits could be issued by the city council.”

Synonyms

proprietorholderpossessor

Antonyms

02ship's captain

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Slang · Informal

n. a casual name for the captain of a ship.

n. a slang term used by a crew to refer to the captain of their vessel.

“The crew worked hard to clean the deck before the owner arrived.”

“In naval tradition, the crew might refer to the commanding officer as 'the owner' when speaking informally among themselves.”

Usage

Usually used with the definite article 'the'.

Synonyms

Etymology

From own + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Domain

Nautical

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference