Tenement

/ˈtɛnə.mənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A multi-unit residential building, often with cramped living conditions.

She lived in a small tenement in the heart of the city, surrounded by other families.

An apartment or group of rooms forming one residence, usually rented.

After moving to the city, he found a cozy tenement that fit his budget.

A property or holding, especially in terms of legal rights.

The old tenement had been under the same family's ownership for generations.

From Middle English 'tenement', from Old French 'tenement' meaning 'a holding', from Latin 'tenementum', meaning 'that which is held'.

tenement housing:

Housing provided in larger buildings, typically consisting of multiple rental units.

tenement walls:

The walls of a tenement building, often associated with close proximity of tenants.

Slum dwelling

He grew up in a tenement, which he often called a slum dwelling.

Rundown apartment

After college, she moved into a tenement, often referring to it as a rundown apartment.