# rental

/ˈɹɛntəɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈɛntəl/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. something rented

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- We picked up our car rental at the airport and drove to the hotel.
- The agency offers a wide variety of vacation rentals, ranging from modest studio apartments to luxury villas with private pools.

### 2. the payment

noun · CEFR B2

the amount of money you pay to rent something.

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

- The monthly rental for the office space includes all utility bills.
- The contract specifies that the annual rental shall be adjusted in accordance with the current rate of inflation.

### 3. the act of renting

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: the act or process of renting something.

- The rental of the equipment was much cheaper than buying it new.
- The rental of heavy machinery requires a valid operator's license and a significant security deposit.

### 4. temporary player

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · American English

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

For teachers: 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.

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

### 5. related to renting

adjective · CEFR B1

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

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

- They are looking for a rental property in a quiet neighborhood.
- The city is facing a severe shortage of affordable rental housing due to the recent surge in short-term tourist lets.

## Examples

- We picked up our ski rental at the shop.
- The resort offers a variety of equipment rentals, including mountain bikes and helmets for the summer season.
- While purchasing high-end gear is a significant investment, many athletes prefer a seasonal rental to ensure they always have access to the latest technological advancements in equipment.

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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.