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 male Yorkshire Terrier with black and tan fur was seen wandering on Thorpe Avenue last Wednesday around 5:30 p.m. wearing a collar and dragging a leash, according to the Meriden Animal Control Saving Paws shelter. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025

Keep the dog on a leash attached to a collar or front-clipping harness before entering the space. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025

Kimpton Hotels provide pet beds, food and water bowls, plus litter trays, dog leashes and cat scratchboards, for no extra charge, according to its website. —Bella Stoddart, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025

In court records obtained by USA TODAY, the lawsuit alleges the dogs had sent several letters to the Withers advising that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. —Laura A. Bischoff, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 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