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

This doe-eyed pup would benefit from some leash training, which will help boost her confidence and strengthen the bond between her and her new family. —Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025

Urban Dog Bar, one of Nashville’s newest dog-friendly destinations, offers a spacious 5,000-square-foot indoor area and a massive 15,500-square-foot outdoor park where dogs can roam freely off-leash. —Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025

Woke scolds and anti-woke dolts alike objected to the image of Carpenter kneeling in front of a man who appears to be using her hair as a leash. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025

Actualizing their first serious playoff push since ‘21 requires a short leash. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 29 Aug. 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