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

Grabbing hold of Kairo, a much larger Siberian Husky's leash, Edji gives it a playful tug—showing exactly who is in charge despite their size difference. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024

These areas require leashes, but in the dog park the owners, too, are allowed off their chains. —Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 29 Nov. 2024

Perhaps due to habit, conventional policies, or poor experiences with certain employees given more leash, many employers don’t always trust hybrid or remote work setups. —Joseph Liu, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

In 2021, a J Balvin music video that featured Black actors performing as dogs on leashes prompted condemnation from Colombia’s vice president. —Genevieve Glatsky, New York Times, 24 Nov. 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