security deposit

noun

: an amount of money that a renter pays when beginning to rent property (such as an apartment) and that can be used to pay for any damage that the renter causes to the property

Examples of security deposit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Something tells me there's a free month of rent or the return of a security deposit in this couple's future. Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026 Failure to abide by this condition could mean losing your security deposit, or even being evicted. Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 23 June 2026 The landlord said Anderson came outside the home screaming about her security deposit. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2026 The nonprofit provides rental and security deposit assistance, pays for repairs and upgrades at shelters, and meets other emergency needs. Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for security deposit

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Security deposit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/security%20deposit. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Legal Definition

security deposit

noun
: money provided by a tenant to a landlord to secure performance of a rental agreement or compensate for possible loss or damage
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!