ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rental

n. · adj.
US //ˈɹɛntəɫ// UK //ɹˈɛntəl// rental
  1. 1 something rented (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    something that you rent, such as a car, a tool, or a holiday home.

    an object, property, or piece of equipment that is made available for hire.

    Example

    We picked up our car rental at the airport and drove to the hotel.

    Example

    The agency offers a wide variety of vacation rentals, ranging from modest studio apartments to luxury villas with private pools.
  2. 2 the payment (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the amount of money you pay to rent something.

    the sum of money paid or received for the use of property or equipment over a specific period.

    Example

    The monthly rental for the office space includes all utility bills.

    Example

    The contract specifies that the annual rental shall be adjusted in accordance with the current rate of inflation.
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  1. 3 the act of renting (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the process or act of paying to use something for a period of time.

    the act or process of renting something.

    Example

    The rental of the equipment was much cheaper than buying it new.

    Example

    The rental of heavy machinery requires a valid operator's license and a significant security deposit.
  2. 4 temporary player (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal American English Sport

    a professional player joined to a team for a short time, usually just to help them win a championship.

    a player acquired by a team near the trade deadline who is in the final year of their contract and expected to leave in free agency.

    Example

    The team traded for a veteran pitcher as a rental for the playoffs.

    Example

    Critics argued that giving up top prospects for a two-month rental was a desperate move by a management team under pressure to win immediately.

    Usage

    often used in the context of baseball or hockey trade deadlines.
  3. 5 related to renting (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to describe things that are for rent or related to the business of renting.

    relating to or available for rent; typically used attributively before a noun.

    Example

    They are looking for a rental property in a quiet neighborhood.

    Example

    The city is facing a severe shortage of affordable rental housing due to the recent surge in short-term tourist lets.
Origin

From rent + -al.

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