landlord
UK: ˈlændlɔːd | US: ˈlændlɔːrd
n. a person who owns and rents out land, buildings, or property
n. (historically) the owner of a landed estate
The word "landlord" combines two Old English roots: "land" (meaning ground or territory) and "hlāford" (meaning master or ruler, later shortened to "lord"). Originally, it referred to a feudal landowner who held authority over tenants. Over time, the term broadened to include anyone who rents out property. The morphemes reflect a literal "master of the land," preserving the hierarchical relationship between owner and tenant.
The landlord raised the rent by 10% this year.
She complained to her landlord about the broken heater.
In medieval England, a landlord often had judicial power over his tenants.
The new landlord promised to renovate the apartment building.
He became a landlord after inheriting several properties from his family.