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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

leash

leesh

Leash (noun) means a strap or cord used to hold and control an animal, especially a dog. Example: “Keep your dog on a leash in the park.”

noun
1
A strap or cord used to hold and control an animal, especially a dog.
"Keep your dog on a leash in the park."
verb
1
To attach a leash to, or to hold something back or under control.
"She leashed the puppy before opening the front door."
"He struggled to leash his temper during the meeting."

How to use leash

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA restraining strap for an animal, or (figuratively) to hold something in check.

Common pairings
on a leash leash a dog leash your anger

Word forms

leashed past tense, leashes plural, leashes singular

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Fill the gap

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Keep your dog on a _____ in the park.

Etymology

From Old French lesse, related to Latin laxus, "loose," through the idea of a cord that can be loosened or tightened.

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for leash

See all rhymes for leash →

Frequently asked questions

What does “leash” mean?

The word “leash” means a strap or cord used to hold and control an animal, especially a dog. In plain terms, a restraining strap for an animal, or (figuratively) to hold something in check.

How do you pronounce “leash”?

“Leash” is pronounced leesh (/liːʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “leash” in a sentence?

Here is “leash” used in a sentence: “Keep your dog on a leash in the park.”

What is the opposite of “leash”?

The opposite of “leash” — its antonyms — is unleash.

What part of speech is “leash”?

Depending on how it is used, “leash” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “leash” come from?

The word “leash” comes from Latin. From Old French lesse, related to Latin laxus, "loose," through the idea of a cord that can be loosened or tightened.

Is “leash” a common word?

“Leash” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “leash” have?

“Leash” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strap or cord used to hold and control an animal, especially a dog.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial