leasing

noun

leas·​ing ˈlē-siŋ How to pronounce leasing (audio)
-ziŋ
archaic
: the act of lying
also : lie, falsehood

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lesing, from Old English lēasung, from lēasian to lie, from lēas false

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leasing. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on leasing

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!