verb
leer
LEER
Leer (verb) means to look at someone sideways in a way that suggests sexual desire or ill intent. Example: “The stranger leered at her from across the bar.”
verb
1
To look at someone sideways in a way that suggests sexual desire or ill intent.
"The stranger leered at her from across the bar."
"He leered at the pastries in the shop window, practically drooling."
noun
1
An unpleasant sideways glance, often suggesting lust or malice.
"She caught his leer and quickly looked away."
How to use leer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo give someone a creepy, suggestive look, or that look itself.
Common pairings
leer at someone
a lecherous leer
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like leer.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- leers
- Third person singular
- leers
- Past tense
- leered
- Comparative
- more leer
- Superlative
- most leer
- Archaic forms
- leerest, leeredst, leereth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The stranger _____ at her from across the bar.
Etymology
Uncertain, but likely from an old word meaning "cheek" or "profile" — the sense shifted from a body part to the sly, sideways glance itself.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for leer
See all rhymes for leer →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of leer?
"leer" (verb) means to look at someone sideways in a way that suggests sexual desire or ill intent.
What is another word for leer?
Other words for "leer" include ogle, sneer.
What are the different meanings of leer?
"leer" has 2 main meanings: 1. To look at someone sideways in a way that suggests sexual desire or ill intent; 2. An unpleasant sideways glance, often suggesting lust or malice.
How do you use leer in a sentence?
Example: "The stranger leered at her from across the bar."
