leak

verb

\ ˈlēk

leaked; leaking; leaks

Definition of leak

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : to enter or escape through an opening usually by a fault or mistake fumes leak in

b : to let a substance or light in or out through an opening The roof was leaking.

2a : to become known despite efforts at concealment confidential information leaked out

b : to be the source of an information leak

transitive verb

1 : to permit to enter or escape through or as if through a leak The roof leaks water.

2 : to give out (information) surreptitiously leaked the story to the press

leak

noun

Definition of leak (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : a crack or hole that usually by mistake admits or lets escape

b : something that permits the admission or escape of something else usually with prejudicial effect

2 : the act, process, or an instance of leaking

3 sometimes vulgar : an act of urinating —used especially in the phrase take a leak

Other Words from leak More Example Sentences Learn More about leak

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Other Words from leak

Verb

leaker \ ˈlē-kər

\ noun

Noun

leakproof \ ˈlēk-ˌprüf

\ adjective

Examples of leak in a Sentence

Verb

The boat was leaking water. The cracked pipe leaked fumes into the room. Fumes leaked through the crack in the pipe. Air leaked out of the tire. Water was leaking through a hole in the roof. Someone leaked the story to the press.

Noun

The boat had developed a bad leak. The landlord said he would fix the leak in the roof. a slow leak of the chemical When a reporter revealed classified information, the source of the leak was investigated. Security is high because of a fear of leaks before negotiations have been finished.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Michael's name became connected to the Bezos story after private texts between the Amazon CEO and Michael's sister Lauren leaked. — Norman Vanamee, Town & Country, "How Lauren Sanchez's Brother Michael Got Wrapped Up In Jeff Bezos's Battle With the National Enquirer," 8 Feb. 2019 Tao, a journalist and poet, had leaked a memo distributed by the government that restricted reporters from covering the 15th anniversary of Tiananmen Square. — Shirin Ghaffary, Recode, "Everything you need to know about Google’s controversial China plans in advance of today’s congressional hearing," 11 Dec. 2018 And now, another pretty huge piece of info has been leaked: Carrie's due date! — Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, "Carrie Underwood’s Baby Is Due Sooner Than We All Thought," 26 Nov. 2018 Somehow, the address of the Liverpool striker was leaked on Facebook. — Khadrice Rollins, SI.com, "Fans Gather Outside Mo Salah's Home in Egypt After Address Leaked on Facebook," 29 June 2018 There is also a risk that any plans made now would leak and cause trouble or be overtaken by later events. — Katie Frost, Town & Country, "What Will Happen When Queen Elizabeth II Dies?," 25 Mar. 2019 One technology to watch is Data Loss Prevention, Microsoft's tool for preventing information from leaking outside of corporate walls. — Mark Hachman, PCWorld, "Microsoft Teams taps AI to boost new background, whiteboarding features," 19 Mar. 2019 That the large pan below the cold coil (called the condensate pan) is not rotted and full of holes, and leaking water into the house. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "The DIY Guide To Fixing Your Leaky Air Conditioner," 15 Mar. 2019 According to their leaked Save The Date invitation, the couple have chosen France for a picturesque, destination wedding in 2019. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas Were Absolutely the Cutest at the Grammys After Party," 11 Feb. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Two houses in Rancho Bernardo’s Westwood neighborhood were evacuated early Monday afternoon due to a natural gas leak at a nearby home under fumigation. — Elizabeth Marie Himchak, Rancho Bernardo, "Homes evacuated in Rancho Bernardo due to gas leak," 17 July 2017 After checking ducts, evaluate all the windows and doors for leaks and cracks, and add new weather stripping if necessary. — Cincinnati.com, "Column: Summer weatherization to keep you cool," 30 June 2017 If the container uses ice packs, it must be sealed and in a leak-proof container with the contents clearly marked. — Cynthia Drescher, CNT, "TSA Finds 20-Pound Lobster in Checked Bag," 27 June 2017 At 3:23 p.m., BGE had mitigated the leak, fire vehicles were leaving and the Sheriff's Office was preparing to reopen the road, Fire & EMS spokespersons Rich Gardiner and Jenn Chenworth reported on Facebook. — Staff Report, The Aegis, "Bel Air's Moore's Mill Road reopens after gas leak detected Friday afternoon," 2 June 2017 Truth is being mean leaves more leaks in your camp than the titanic and I .. — Christopher Rosen, EW.com, "Ruby Rose says 'being mean doesn't suit me' after Katy Perry tweets," 21 May 2017 But strep also caused a leak in the BBB near the amygdala, the seat of fear and anxiety, and the lateral hypothalamus, where our sense of hunger begins. — Pamela Weintraub, Discover Magazine, "Hidden Invaders," 29 Mar. 2017 For their part, Trump's aides look on many of those holdovers from the last administration with suspicion, blaming them for leaks. — Tampa Bay Times, "Trump chooses McMaster as national security adviser," 20 Feb. 2017 Your Utility Company In the event of a power outage or suspected gas leak, your utility company is better equipped to handle the problem than emergency responders. — Kelly O'sullivan, Woman's Day, "11 Phone Numbers Every Woman Should Have On Speed Dial," 15 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'leak.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.