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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishThe leftover sludge at the bottom of a fermenting barrel or bottle.
Common pairings
aged on the lees
settle to the lees
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Word forms
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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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for lees
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.
