leash

noun

1
a
: a line for leading or restraining an animal
b
: something that restrains : the state of being restrained
keeping spending on a tight leash
2
a
: a set of three animals (such as greyhounds, foxes, bucks, or hares)
b
: a set of three
leash transitive verb

Examples of leash in a Sentence

put a dog on a leash Dogs must be kept on a leash while in the park. The dog saw a cat and was straining at its leash trying to get at it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With Buehler making his first start since April because of shoulder bursitis, the Mets figured Buehler would be on a short leash. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025 The left-hander will face off against Mets right-hander Tylor Megill (3-4, 3.74) and presumably have a long leash with few fresh arms available to support him in the bullpen. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 21 May 2025 Howard, the No. 11 pick in the 2023 draft, averaged 4.5 points and 1.2 rebounds, but was on a short leash, playing just 11.7 minutes. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 May 2025 Teitelbaum grew up in Midtown at the tail end of the early 2000s rock boom and was granted a long leash to explore. Olivia Horn, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leash

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lees, leshe, from Anglo-French *lesche, lesse, probably from lesser to leave, let go

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of leash was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leash. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

leash

noun
1
: a line for leading or controlling an animal
2
: something that restrains : the state of being restrained
kept spending on a tight leash
leash verb

More from Merriam-Webster on leash

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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