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

After photos of the couple's beach vacation were leaked, Kotb finally put a name to the face and began openly talking about her relationship. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Hoda Kotb Shared Rare Photos of Her Daughter and Boyfriend on Instagram This Weekend," 2 July 2018 Reality Winner, a former National Security Agency contractor and the first person to be prosecuted during the Trump administration for leaking classified information, pleaded guilty Tuesday to espionage. — Jenny Jarvie, latimes.com, "Reality Winner, the ex-NSA contractor accused of leaking secrets, pleads guilty," 27 June 2018 Manning, whose prison sentence for leaking classified information was commuted by President Barack Obama, announced her candidacy in January, but her campaign has faltered since then. — Natasha Bach, Fortune, "These Are the Crucial Primary Races You Should Be Watching Today," 26 June 2018 From Amy Schumer discussing tampons on 'SNL' to Meghan Markle asking for donations of menstrual products in lieu of gifts for the royal wedding, the topic seems to be leaking into the public consciousness. — Cass Bliss, Seventeen, "What Trans & Non-Binary Menstruators Should Know About Periods," 1 June 2018 Miners left open pits and dug-up stream beds that continue to leak cyanide, mercury, antimony and other toxic metals into the river, the U.S. Geological Survey said in 2015. — Rocky Barker, idahostatesman, "World's largest gold miner puts $38 million bet on new Idaho project | Idaho Statesman," 9 May 2018 And frantic growers face an even greater temptation to illegally leak excess grass across state lines—and into the cross hairs of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Justice Department. — Aaron Gilbreath, Longreads, "One Consequences of Cannabis Legalization is Market Saturation," 21 Apr. 2018 His daughter, Mariam Nawaz, was sentenced to seven years in a case stemming from documents leaked from a Panama law firm. — Zaheer Babar, BostonGlobe.com, "Pakistan ex-PM’s party: Police arresting Sharif’s supporters," 12 July 2018 The same court that sentenced Sharif also sentenced his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, to seven years in absentia in a case stemming from documents leaked from a Panama law firm. — Munir Ahmed, The Seattle Times, "Pakistan opposition leader Khan unveils election platform," 9 July 2018

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.

History and Etymology for leak

Verb

Middle English leken, liken, from or akin to Middle Dutch leken; akin to Old English hlec leaky, Old High German zelehhan, Old Norse leka to leak and probably to Old English leccan to moisten, Middle Irish legaid it melts

Noun

see leak entry 1

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