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

For pets that need to go outside, the sheriff’s office recommended keeping them close and walking them on a leash. —Brooke Baitinger, Sacramento Bee, 15 Jan. 2025

The group operates two walk-in pet pantries in Los Angeles and Granada Hills, both of which are stocked with items like dog and cat food, litter, collars and leashes. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

Archie expertly held Guy's leash as the father and son walked to see some mini donkeys behind a fence, and Harry squatted for a closer look. —Janine Henni, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025

This includes the likes of Gucci’s $440 pet leash, Louis Vuitton’s $360 card holder, and Burberry’s $450 cashmere scarves. —Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 20 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