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

The collection features cozy sofa beds, supportive dog stairs, pet car seats, stylish leather leashes and collars, sling carriers for small pets and lifejackets for adventures on the water — there’s something for every pet personality. —Jessica Moore, USA Today, 25 May 2026

Handlers use leashes and balls that can be easily cleaned, and people must sanitize their hands before and after touching the dogs. —Laura Ungar, Fortune, 23 May 2026

Medical examiners later determined that Broussard had been strangled to death with a dog leash. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026

McIlroy and Scheffler have also earned the right to share opinions on a course setup with a much longer leash. —Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026

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