leaf out

verb

leafed out; leafing out; leafs out
US, of a tree
: to produce leaves
The tree will leaf out in the spring.

Examples of leaf out in a Sentence

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.
Taking a leaf out of Princess Diana's style book, Kate wore an aquamarine dress courtesy of her late mother-in-law's favorite designer, Catherine Walker. Emma Banks, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026 Fanning isn’t the only one taking a leaf out of this Betty Crocker-style of dressing, either. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026 In Panorama City, Cottonwood Urban Farm’s namesake tree leafed out almost a full month ahead of schedule. Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026 Alternatively, the flowers do well under shrubs that leaf out to provide shady conditions as the season warms up, helping extend the blooms. Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 2026 These trees may be leafing out, not as quickly, maybe producing smaller leaves. March 9, CBS News, 9 Mar. 2026 Prune off any branch tips that remain bare after the rest of the shrub has fully leafed out. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026 Once the rose has fully leafed out, apply a granular fertilizer, preferably a rose fertilizer, following the directions on the label. Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026 This timing aligns with the tree's natural growth cycle, as cherry trees start to leaf out early. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leaf out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaf%20out. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster