Apartment/əˈpɑːrtmənt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Housing Type The word 'apartment' can refer to various living spaces, from small to large. They moved to a bigger apartment with a beautiful view. Pro Tip 2/3Building Part 'Apartment' indicates a unit within a larger residential building, not a separate house. My apartment is on the third floor of the building. Pro Tip 3/3Rental Context Apartments are often rented, which may imply temporary residence or mobility. She's renting a furnished apartment for her first year of college.