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

Found near a mailbox, Jack quickly learned to walk on a leash and even perform tricks like rolling over. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024

Those with regular pets on a leash will be asked to sit in an outdoor area. —David Ulloa Jr, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 2024

Audrey was tickled pink after spotting a pig on a leash tied up outside Kowalski's in St. Paul this week. —Audrey Kennedy, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024

But walking my dog in the rain, with a leash in one hand and an umbrella in the other, is a lot to juggle. —Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 14 Dec. 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