The definition of an easement appurtenant is best captured by the idea that it is a right that benefits a property and runs with the land. This means that the easement is tied to a particular piece of property (the dominant estate) rather than to an individual person. When the property is sold or transferred, the easement remains attached to the land and continues to benefit the new owner.
Easements appurtenant typically provide access or use rights that are essential for the usability of the dominant estate, such as a right of way through a neighbor’s property. Because it runs with the land, the easement will always benefit whoever owns the dominant estate, regardless of changes in ownership.
In contrast, temporary rights or non-exclusive uses, such as in the other answers, do not convey the same enduring benefits nor do they automatically transfer upon sale of the property. A contractual agreement might describe the easement, but it does not inherently define the nature of an easement appurtenant itself.