leash

noun

ˈlēsh 

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

Residents are urged to keep their dogs on a leash and to never approach a coyote. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Oz taunts Sal, saying Sofia has him on a tight leash, only for Sal to taunt Oz right back, reminding him that Sofia has taken Oz’s mother. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

Ready to be aggressive with his bullpen in Game 5 on Wednesday, after saving his top relief arms in a Game 4 loss the night prior, Roberts knew Flaherty would be on a short leash. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024

In addition to a padded laptop pocket, the interior is embedded with two card pockets, two pen loops, four open pockets, and a key leash. —Neha Tandon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing leash

• leash law
• strain at the leash

Kids Definition

leash

noun

ˈlēsh 

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