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

The purpose of the Constitution is to put the leash on the government and its agents. —Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 9 May 2025

Dogs should always be walked on a leash and owners should keep a close eye on changes in their body language, the organization said. —N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 9 May 2025

This yellow harness has rings to hook on a leash, serving double duty. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 May 2025

Dogs must be able to follow commands, including sit and stay; walk loosely on a leash without pulling; and perform commands without treats, the release said. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025

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

Rhymes for leash

• quiche
• pastiche
• unleash

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