noun

lees

leez

Lees (noun) means the sediment of dead yeast and fruit residue left after fermenting a drink like wine. Example: “The wine was aged on its lees to develop a richer flavour.”

noun

The sediment of dead yeast and fruit residue left after fermenting a drink like wine.

"The wine was aged on its lees to develop a richer flavour."

How to use lees

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe leftover sludge at the bottom of a fermenting barrel or bottle.

Common pairings

aged on the lees settle to the lees

Word forms

Leeses plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “lees” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The wine was aged on its _____ to develop a richer flavour.

Etymology

From Old French lies, going back to a Gaulish word for silt or sediment — related distantly to the place names Loire and Leicester.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for lees

Kees Rees Tees threes Yankees Pyrenees Voorhees Twelvetrees

See all rhymes for lees →

Frequently asked questions

What does “lees” mean?

The word “lees” means the sediment of dead yeast and fruit residue left after fermenting a drink like wine. In plain terms, the leftover sludge at the bottom of a fermenting barrel or bottle.

How do you pronounce “lees”?

“Lees” is pronounced leez (/liːz/ in IPA).

How do you use “lees” in a sentence?

Here is “lees” used in a sentence: “The wine was aged on its lees to develop a richer flavour.”

What part of speech is “lees”?

“Lees” is a noun.

Where does the word “lees” come from?

The word “lees” comes from Old French. From Old French lies, going back to a Gaulish word for silt or sediment — related distantly to the place names Loire and Leicester.