less common spelling of leech
1
: either vertical edge of a square sail
2
: the after edge of a fore-and-aft sail
leached; leaching; leaches
1
: to dissolve out by the action of a percolating liquid
leach out alkali from ashes
2
: to subject to the action of percolating (see percolate sense 1a) liquid (such as water) in order to separate the soluble components
3
a
: to remove (nutritive or harmful elements) from soil by percolation (see percolate sense 1a)
soil leached of its salts by torrential rains
b
: to draw out or remove as if by percolation
all meaning has been leached from my life
: to pass out or through by percolation
Nutrients leached out of the soil with rainwater.
Examples of leach in a Sentence
Verb
Even a small amount of rain can leach the toxic material from the soil.
Certain kinds of treated wood can leach chemicals into the soil.
The chemical eventually leaches away from the soil.
Recent Examples on the Web
Monica Sanders, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
This step removes any excess moisture that could leach out into the lasagna in the oven.
—Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024
Cover tree water Preservatives and chemicals that may leach into tree water can be toxic.
—Sara Hansen, The Denver Post, 13 Dec. 2024
Laboratory tests simulated how contaminants from the rocks might leach into the environment under natural conditions.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leach 
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.
Verb
The study raises concerns that PFAS used in protective gear to provide water and heat resistance may leach out during use, potentially entering firefighters' bodies through skin contact or inhalation.
—Monica Sanders, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
This step removes any excess moisture that could leach out into the lasagna in the oven.
—Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024
Cover tree water Preservatives and chemicals that may leach into tree water can be toxic.
—Sara Hansen, The Denver Post, 13 Dec. 2024
Laboratory tests simulated how contaminants from the rocks might leach into the environment under natural conditions.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leach
Dictionary Entries Near leach
Cite this Entry
“Leach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leach. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
leach
transitive verb1
: to subject to the action of percolating liquid (as water) in order to separate the soluble components
2
: to dissolve out by the action of a percolating liquid
: to pass out or through by percolation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share