1
: protecting shelter
2
: the side (as of a ship) or area that is sheltered from the wind
1
: of, relating to, or being the side sheltered from the wind compare weather
2
: facing in the direction of motion of an overriding glacier
—used especially of a hillside
Examples of lee in a Sentence
Noun
the lee of the ship
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, from Old English hlēo; perhaps akin to Old High German lāo lukewarm, Latin calēre to be warm
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of lee was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing lee
Dictionary Entries Near lee
Cite this Entry
“Lee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lee. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
lee
1 of 2 noun1
: protecting shelter
2
: the side (as of a ship) or area that is sheltered from the wind
lee
2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or being the side sheltered from the wind
Biographical Definition
Lee
2 of 12biographical name (2)
Charles 1731–1782 American (English-born) general
Lee
3 of 12biographical name (3)
David Morris 1931– American physicist
Lee
4 of 12biographical name (4)
Fitzhugh 1835–1905 nephew of Robert E. Lee American general
Lee
5 of 12biographical name (5)
Francis Lightfoot 1734–1797 American statesman in Revolution
Lee
6 of 12biographical name (6)
(Nelle) Harper 1926–2016 American novelist
Lee
7 of 12biographical name (7)
Henry 1756–1818 Light-Horse Harry; father of Robert E. Lee American general
Lee
8 of 12biographical name (8)
Myung-bak 1941– president of South Korea (2008–13)
Lee
9 of 12biographical name (9)
Richard Henry 1732–1794 brother of Francis Lightfoot Lee American statesman in Revolution
Lee
10 of 12biographical name (10)
Robert E(dward) 1807–1870 American Confederate general
Lee
11 of 12biographical name (11)
Sir Sidney 1859–1926 English editor and scholar
Lee
12 of 12biographical name (12)
Yuan Tseh 1936– American (Taiwanese-born) chemist
More from Merriam-Webster on lee
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lee
Nglish: Translation of lee for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of lee for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lee
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