squatter

1 of 2

verb

squat·​ter ˈskwä-tər 

squattered; squattering; squatters

intransitive verb

: to go along through or as if through water

ducks squattering to the shore

squatter

2 of 2

noun

: one that squats: such as

a

: one that settles on property without right or title or payment of rent

b

: one that settles on public land under government regulation with the purpose of acquiring title

Examples of squatter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Spenard is named for the bootlegger and squatter Joe Spenard. —David Reamer, Anchorage Daily News, 1 June 2020

Noun

Continue reading … ‘EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE’ – Elderly couple fights to get their house back after squatters allegedly take over. —Fox News, 21 Oct. 2024

The complex, surrounded by chain-link fencing, was frequented by squatters, creating unsafe and unsavory conditions that got worse with every passing year, including broken windows, uncollected garbage, hoards of feral cats, and reports of arson. —Will McGough, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

imitative

First Known Use

Verb

1785, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1788, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing squatter

• squatter sovereignty

Kids Definition

squatter

noun

squat·​ter

ˈskwät-ər

1

: one that squats

2

a

: one that settles on land without right or title or payment of rent

b

: one that settles on public land under government regulation with the purpose of acquiring title

Legal Definition

squatter

noun

squat·​ter

ˈskwä-tər

: a person who occupies real property without a claim of right or title

Note: In most jurisdictions, a squatter cannot gain title to land through adverse possession because adverse possession requires possession of the property under a claim of right or color of title.