lee

1 of 2

noun

ˈlē

Synonyms of lee next

: protecting shelter

: the side (as of a ship) or area that is sheltered from the wind

lee

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or being the side sheltered from the wind compare weather

: facing in the direction of motion of an overriding glacier

—used especially of a hillside

Examples of lee in a Sentence

Noun the lee of the ship

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hlēo; perhaps akin to Old High German lāo lukewarm, Latin calēre to be warm

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of lee was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Lee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lee. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

lee

1 of 2 noun

ˈlē

: protecting shelter

: the side (as of a ship) or area that is sheltered from the wind

lee

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or being the side sheltered from the wind

Biographical Definition

Lee 1 of 12

biographical name (1)

ˈlē

Ann 1736–1784 American (English-born) Shaker

Lee

2 of 12

biographical name (2)

Charles 1731–1782 American (English-born) general

Lee

3 of 12

biographical name (3)

David Morris 1931– American physicist

Lee

4 of 12

biographical name (4)

Fitzhugh 1835–1905 nephew of Robert E. Lee American general

Lee

5 of 12

biographical name (5)

Francis Lightfoot 1734–1797 American statesman in Revolution

Lee

6 of 12

biographical name (6)

(Nelle) Harper 1926–2016 American novelist

Lee

7 of 12

biographical name (7)

Henry 1756–1818 Light-Horse Harry; father of Robert E. Lee American general

Lee

8 of 12

biographical name (8)

Myung-bak 1941– president of South Korea (2008–13)

Lee

9 of 12

biographical name (9)

Richard Henry 1732–1794 brother of Francis Lightfoot Lee American statesman in Revolution

Lee

10 of 12

biographical name (10)

Robert E(dward) 1807–1870 American Confederate general

Lee

11 of 12

biographical name (11)

Sir Sidney 1859–1926 English editor and scholar

Lee

12 of 12

biographical name (12)

Yuan Tseh 1936– American (Taiwanese-born) chemist

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