Chattels — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈcha-tᵊl/ chat·tel

Meaning & Definition of Chattels

Chattels (noun)

  1. an item of tangible movable or immovable property except real estate and things (such as buildings) connected with real property —sometimes used as a mass noun
  2. an enslaved person held as the legal property of another, bondman —often used as a mass noun

Chattels (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. transportable items that one owns

    "packed up all her chattels and moved to a new state"

    similar: belongings, duds, effects, gear, goods, holdings, movables, paraphernalia, personal effects, personal property, personalty, plunder (chiefly dialect), possession, stuff, things
    related: treasures, valuables, appointments, fixtures, furnishings, estate, property, tangibles, collateral
    near: immovables, real estate

Related Entry: Chattel (noun)

Chattel is a different word from Chattels. The synonyms below are for chattel, not for chattels.

  1. a person who is considered the property of another person

    "an amendment to end the keeping of humans as chattel"

    similar: bondman, slave, thrall
    related: bondwoman, odalisque, helot, serf, bond servant, indentured servant, attendant, domestic, drudge, handmaiden, lackey, menial, servant
    opposite: freeman
    near: freedman, freedwoman, enslaver, slave driver, slaveholder, slaver, master, taskmaster

  2. transportable items that one owns

    "packed up all her chattels and moved to a new state"

    similar: belongings, duds, effects, gear, goods, holdings, movables, paraphernalia, personal effects, personal property, personalty, plunder (chiefly dialect), possession, stuff, things
    related: treasures, valuables, appointments, fixtures, furnishings, estate, property, tangibles, collateral
    near: immovables, real estate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Chattels

The most common words with a similar meaning to Chattels:

Chiefly dialect: plunder
belongings, duds, effects, gear, goods, holdings, movables, paraphernalia, personal effects, personal property, personalty, possession, stuff, things

Related Words for Chattels

treasures, valuables, appointments, fixtures, furnishings, estate, property, tangibles, collateral

Near Antonyms of Chattels

immovables, real estate

Origin & Etymology of Chattels

Middle English chatel "movable possession," often in plural chateles, chateus, borrowed from Anglo-French chatel "property, goods, wealth" (also continental Old French), going back to Medieval Latin capitāle "movable property, riches," noun derivative from neuter of capitālis "of the head, chief, principal" capital:1

First known use: 1549

Frequently Asked Questions about Chattels

What does "Chattels" mean?

"Chattels" means an item of tangible movable or immovable property except real estate and things (such as buildings) connected with real property —sometimes used as a mass noun. As a noun, it is defined as: an item of tangible movable or immovable property except real estate and things (such as buildings) connected with real property —sometimes used as a mass noun.

What is another word for "Chattels"?

Other words for "Chattels" include belongings, duds, effects, gear, goods, holdings, movables and paraphernalia. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Chattels" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Chattels"?

There are 24 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Chattels". Common alternatives include belongings, duds, effects, gear, goods, holdings, movables, paraphernalia, personal effects and personal property.

How do you use "Chattels" in a sentence?

Examples of "Chattels" in a sentence: "packed up all her chattels and moved to a new state".

Is "Chattels" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Chattels" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Chattels"?

"Chattels" is pronounced /ˈcha-tᵊl/ and divided into syllables as chat·tel.

What is the origin of the word "Chattels"?

"Chattels" comes from Middle English chatel "movable possession," often in plural chateles, chateus, borrowed from Anglo-French chatel "property, goods, wealth" (also continental Old French), going back to Medieval Latin capitāle "movable property, riches," noun derivative from neuter of capitālis "of the head, chief, principal" capital:1. First known use: 1549.

What is another word for "Chattels" meaning "transportable items that one owns"?

When "Chattels" (noun) means transportable items that one owns, synonyms include belongings, duds, effects, gear, goods and holdings.