lee
7 synonyms and 3 antonyms for lee, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The sheltered side of something, away from the wind.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use lee
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
in the lee of
lee side
Etymology
From Old English hlēo, "shelter" or "protection" — related to Old Norse words for shelter from wind.
Full origin of lee →Frequently asked questions
What does “lee” mean?
The word “lee” means the sheltered side of something, away from the wind. In plain terms, the side of something that blocks the wind, giving shelter.
How do you pronounce “lee”?
“Lee” is pronounced lee (/liː/ in IPA).
How do you use “lee” in a sentence?
Here is “lee” used in a sentence: “The boats anchored in the lee of the island to escape the storm.”
What is the opposite of “lee”?
The opposite of “lee” — its antonyms — are stoss, weather and windward.
What part of speech is “lee”?
“Lee” is a noun.
Where does the word “lee” come from?
The word “lee” comes from Old English. From Old English hlēo, "shelter" or "protection" — related to Old Norse words for shelter from wind.
Is “lee” a common word?
“Lee” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between the 'lee' side and the 'windward' side?
The lee side is the sheltered side, facing away from the wind, where you are protected from its force. The windward side faces directly into the wind and takes its full strength. Sailors seek the lee of a headland for calm water; the windward side stays rough and exposed.
What does 'leeward' mean?
'Leeward' is the adjective and adverb formed from lee. It means on or toward the sheltered side, away from the wind — the leeward side of a mountain or a ship. It is the direct counterpart of 'windward', which means toward the side the wind is blowing from.
What is the difference between 'lee' and 'lea'?
They sound the same but mean different things. 'Lee' is the sheltered side of something, away from the wind. 'Lea' is an old, poetic word for an open meadow or grassland. Because they are homophones, they are easy to mix up in writing, but their meanings never overlap.
