leathery

adjective

leath·​ery ˈle-t͟hə-rē How to pronounce leathery (audio)
ˈlet͟h-rē
Synonyms of leatherynext
: resembling, characteristic of, or suggestive of leather
a leathery face
a leathery aroma

Examples of leathery in a Sentence

the old farmer's leathery, brown skin the leathery meat served in the cafeteria drove many of us to start bringing our own lunches
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.
Their skins were thick and leathery, their juice surprisingly tart, and their seeds fat. David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026 This leathery red skinned fruit is available from fall into winter and California and Arizona grow the nation’s supply of them. Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026 Look for smooth, matte, leathery skin free from cracks and soft spots. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026 Indian hawthorn has leathery, dark green leaves that take on a pleasing purple hue in winter. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leathery

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leathery was circa 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leathery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leathery. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

leathery

adjective
leath·​ery ˈlet͟h-(ə-)rē How to pronounce leathery (audio)
: resembling leather in appearance or quality : tough
a leathery face
leathery leaves

More from Merriam-Webster on leathery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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