leathery

adjective

leath·​ery ˈle-t͟hə-rē 

ˈlet͟h-rē

: resembling, characteristic of, or suggestive of leather

a leathery face

a leathery aroma

Synonyms of leathery

• tough
• brittle
• chewy

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

In winter, the leathery leaves are adorned with cone-like seed pods that are popular in flower arrangements. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 21 June 2026

Spiky, with thick leathery skin, dragon fruit takes its name from the fire-breathing mythological creatures that populate age-old lore. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 21 June 2026

To me, leathery, musky, earthy, and spicy is the best way to describe this fragrance—like a mezcal cocktail set on fire for dramatic effect at a boujee restaurant. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026

The shell was probably soft and leathery and didn’t fossilize readily, which would explain why scientists have not found signs of therapsid eggs until now. — Kate Wong, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leathery

• feathery

Kids Definition

leathery

adjective

leath·​ery ˈlet͟h-(ə-)rē 

: resembling leather in appearance or quality : tough

a leathery face

leathery leaves