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

Dogs must be on leash or in carriers, and cats must be in carriers. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025

Please consider adopting this sweet soul … Mellow, walks great on a leash, knows to sit for treats. —Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025

Photos show the skinny momma walking on a purple leash and looking quite tired — but alert — arriving at the shelter. —Tj MacIas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2025

The tips include keeping canines inside the home or behind a fence, away from the door or another room, and on a leash. —David Chiu, People.com, 30 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