noun
Uncommon
lea
lee
Lea (noun) means a meadow or open grassy field, especially in poetic or literary use. Example: “Cattle grazed peacefully across the lea.”
noun
1
A meadow or open grassy field, especially in poetic or literary use.
"Cattle grazed peacefully across the lea."
How to use lea
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA meadow, mostly seen in poetry or older writing.
When to use it
Literary or archaic rather than everyday vocabulary.
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Word forms
- Plural
- leas
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Cattle grazed peacefully across the _____.
Etymology
From Old English lēah, "clearing in a forest."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for lea
See all rhymes for lea →Frequently asked questions
What does “lea” mean?
The word “lea” means a meadow or open grassy field, especially in poetic or literary use. In plain terms, a meadow, mostly seen in poetry or older writing.
How do you pronounce “lea”?
“Lea” is pronounced lee (/liː/ in IPA).
How do you use “lea” in a sentence?
Here is “lea” used in a sentence: “Cattle grazed peacefully across the lea.”
What part of speech is “lea”?
“Lea” is a noun.
Where does the word “lea” come from?
The word “lea” comes from Old English. From Old English lēah, "clearing in a forest.".
Is “lea” a common word?
“Lea” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a lea and a meadow?
A lea and a meadow both refer to open grassy fields, but "lea" is an older, more poetic or literary word, while "meadow" is the everyday, common term used in modern English.
Is "lea" a common word in everyday speech?
No, "lea" is mostly found in poetic or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation, where "meadow" or "field" would be the more natural choice.
When would a writer choose "lea" over "field" or "meadow"?
A writer might choose "lea" for its poetic or old-fashioned tone, often in verse or literary prose where a more evocative or traditional word is wanted instead of a plain, modern term.
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