leash

noun

ˈlēsh How to pronounce leash (audio)
Synonyms of leashnext
1
a
: a line for leading or restraining an animal
b
: something that restrains : the state of being restrained
keeping spending on a tight leash
2
a
: a set of three animals (such as greyhounds, foxes, bucks, or hares)
b
: a set of three
leash transitive verb

Examples of leash in a Sentence

put a dog on a leash Dogs must be kept on a leash while in the park. The dog saw a cat and was straining at its leash trying to get at it.
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.
Netflix, for its part, is choosing the better of its two dominant programming strategies: build something based on whatever the algorithm suggests, or let a proven creator off the leash. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2025 The lawsuit points out numerous instances in which the dogs’ owners were told to keep their dogs on a leash. — Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2025 The leash is short between desirability and products that don’t deliver. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 When your pet wants to run free off leash, take them to Rover Run Dog Park or Naples Dog Park. — Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leash

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lees, leshe, from Anglo-French *lesche, lesse, probably from lesser to leave, let go

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of leash was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing leash

Rhymes for leash

See All Rhymes for leash

Browse Nearby Words

leash
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Cite this Entry

“Leash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leash. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

leash

noun
ˈlēsh How to pronounce leash (audio)
1
: a line for leading or controlling an animal
2
: something that restrains : the state of being restrained
kept spending on a tight leash
leash verb

More from Merriam-Webster on leash

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for leash

Nglish: Translation of leash for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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