leaky

adjective

ˈlē-kē 

leakier; leakiest

: permitting fluid to leak in or out

leakily

ˈlē-kə-lē 

adverb

leakiness

ˈlē-kē-nəs 

noun

Examples of leaky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Swede will no doubt be keen to impress potential summer suitors on the big stage; backing him to get a couple of shots on target against a leaky defence feels comfortable at 13/10. —Sam Tighe, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025

Wind blew in through leaky wooden windows with dingy, rattly glass. —Jane Margolies, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025

Every year for the past 19 years, the local school district has asked the state for money to help repair a leaky roof. —Emily Schwing, ProPublica, 4 Mar. 2025

Projects to plug Tijuana’s leaky sewage system are underway on both sides of the border, though some have faced monthslong delays and others are years away from completion. —Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leaky

• cheeky
• creaky
• freaky
• sneaky
• squeaky
• streaky

Kids Definition

leaky

adjective

ˈlē-kē 

leakier; leakiest

: permitting fluid to leak in or out

a leaky boat

leakiness noun

Medical Definition

leaky

adjective

ˈlē-kē 

: relating to or being a mutant gene that changes the structure of the protein and especially an enzyme that it determines so that some but not all of its biological activity is lost

also : being such a protein with subnormal activity