leaf
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for leaf, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A flat, usually green part of a plant that grows from a stem or branch and carries out photosynthesis.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use leaf
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English lēaf, an ancient Germanic word for the green parts of a plant, related to German Laub ("foliage").
Full origin of leaf →Frequently asked questions
What does “leaf” mean?
The word “leaf” means a flat, usually green part of a plant that grows from a stem or branch and carries out photosynthesis. In plain terms, the green blade-like part of a plant — or, by extension, a thin sheet of paper, metal, or a hinged table panel.
How do you pronounce “leaf”?
“Leaf” is pronounced LEEF (/ˈliːf/ in IPA).
How do you use “leaf” in a sentence?
Here is “leaf” used in a sentence: “The maple leaf turns red in autumn.”
What is another word for “leaf”?
Words with a similar meaning to “leaf” include phyllon and leave.
What part of speech is “leaf”?
Depending on how it is used, “leaf” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “leaf” come from?
The word “leaf” comes from Old English. From Old English lēaf, an ancient Germanic word for the green parts of a plant, related to German Laub ("foliage").
Is “leaf” a common word?
“Leaf” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “leaf” have?
“Leaf” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a flat, usually green part of a plant that grows from a stem or branch and carries out photosynthesis.
What is the difference between 'leaf' and 'leaves'?
'Leaf' is the singular form, naming one flat, usually green part of a plant. 'Leaves' is its plural, referring to more than one. The plural takes an irregular form, changing the 'f' to 'ves', rather than simply adding 's'.
Why are most leaves green?
A leaf is the part of a plant that carries out photosynthesis, the process that makes food using light. Leaves are typically green because they contain chlorophyll, the pigment used in photosynthesis, which reflects green light.