Phrase guide

fee simple

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The private ownership of property (real estate) in which the owner has the right to control, use, and transfer the property at will.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: law

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a fee without limitation to any class of heirs; they can sell it or give it away

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: fee

History

Etymology

From Old French fief simple.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 永久產權 /永久产权 (yǒngjiǔ chǎnquán) — The rights and privileges of private ownership of property particularly real estate
  • Chinese Mandarin: 非限嗣繼承地產 /非限嗣继承地产 (fēi xiànsì jìchéng dìchǎn) — The rights and privileges of private ownership of property particularly real estate
  • Finnish: rajoittamaton omistusoikeus — The rights and privileges of private ownership of property particularly real estate
  • Māori: pānga angiangi — The rights and privileges of private ownership of property particularly real estate
  • Polish: fee simple — The rights and privileges of private ownership of property particularly real estate