leaf

1 of 2

noun

ˈlēf How to pronounce leaf (audio)
plural leaves ˈlēvz How to pronounce leaf (audio) also leafs ˈlēfs How to pronounce leaf (audio)
Synonyms of leafnext
often attributive
1
a(1)
: a lateral (see lateral entry 1 sense 2) outgrowth from a plant stem that is typically a flattened expanded variably shaped greenish organ, constitutes a unit of the foliage, and functions primarily in food manufacture by photosynthesis
(2)
: a modified leaf (such as a bract or sepal) primarily engaged in functions other than food manufacture
b(1)
: foliage
trees in full leaf
(2)
: the leaves of a plant as an article of commerce
2
: something suggestive of a leaf: such as
a
: a part of a book or folded sheet containing a page on each side
b(1)
: a part (as of window shutters, folding doors, or gates) that slides or is hinged
(2)
: the movable parts of a table top
added a leaf to the table to accommodate more people
c(1)
: a thin sheet or plate of any substance : lamina
(2)
: metal (such as gold or silver) in sheets usually thinner than foil
(3)
: one of the plates of a leaf spring
leafless
ˈlēf-ləs How to pronounce leaf (audio)
adjective
leaflike
ˈlēf-ˌlīk How to pronounce leaf (audio)
adjective

Illustration of leaf

Illustration of leaf
  • 1 needle-shaped
  • 2 linear
  • 3 lanceolate
  • 4 elliptical
  • 5 ensiform
  • 6 oblong
  • 7 oblanceolate with acuminate tip
  • 8 ovate with acute tip
  • 9 obovate
  • 10 spatulate
  • 11 fiddle-shaped
  • 12 cuneate
  • 13 deltoid
  • 14 cordate
  • 15 reniform
  • 16 orbiculate
  • 17 runcinate
  • 18 lyrate
  • 19 peltate
  • 20 hastate
  • 21 sagittate
  • 22 odd-pinnate
  • 23 abruptly pinnate
  • 24 trifoliolate
  • 25 26 palmate

leaf

2 of 2

verb

leafed; leafing; leafs

intransitive verb

1
: to shoot out or produce leaves
will leaf out in spring
2
: to turn over pages especially to browse or skim
leaf through a book

transitive verb

: to turn over the pages of

Synonyms of leaf

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of leaf in a Sentence

Noun I heard the rustle of the autumn leaves. a pile of dead leaves The trees drop their leaves in the fall, and new leaves grow again in the spring. The trees have not yet come into leaf. Verb we must have spent hours leafing through wallpaper books before we found something we both liked
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
If your succulent's leaf color seems to fade or grow lighter, try gradually increasing their sunlight exposure. —Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 12 May 2026 Basil, leaf lettuces and mint are among those that can do the most with the least. —ABC News, 12 May 2026
Verb
In spring, when the trees start to leaf, Cedar Mountain comes alive with toe-tapping music, pottery studios, galleries and locals who welcome you in. —Belinda Luksic, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 At the site, trees are leafing as workers add finishing touches. —Aria Jones, Dallas Morning News, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leaf

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English leef, from Old English lēaf; akin to Old High German loub leaf

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

1611, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of leaf was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing leaf

Rhymes for leaf

See All Rhymes for leaf

Browse Nearby Words

leady
leaf
leafage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaf. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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Kids Definition

leaf

1 of 2 noun
ˈlēf How to pronounce leaf (audio)
plural leaves ˈlēvz How to pronounce leaf (audio)
1
a
: one of the green usually flat parts that grow from a stem or twig of a plant and that function mainly in making food by photosynthesis
b
: foliage
trees in full leaf
2
a
: a part of a book or folded sheet containing a page on each side
b
: a part (as of window shutters) that slides or is hinged
c
: the movable or additional part of a table top
d
: a thin sheet (as of metal)
leafless
ˈlē-fləs How to pronounce leaf (audio)
adjective
leaflike
ˈlē-ˌflīk How to pronounce leaf (audio)
adjective

leaf

2 of 2 verb
1
: to produce leaves
2
: to turn the pages of a book

Medical Definition

leaf

noun
ˈlēf How to pronounce leaf (audio)
: a thin layer or sheet of tissue
the anterior leaf of the coronary ligament

More from Merriam-Webster on leaf

Nglish: Translation of leaf for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leaf

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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