leaky

adjective

ˈlē-kē 

leakier; leakiest

: permitting fluid to leak in or out

leakily

ˈlē-kə-lē 

adverb

leakiness

ˈlē-kē-nəs 

noun

Examples of leaky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pouring cheaper tokens through a leaky foundation isn’t a sustainable solution. — Sumeet Agrawal, Fortune, 20 July 2026

The uneven overall performance can be traced back — first and foremost — to a leaky defense. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026

Sort through the berries and get rid of any that look unripe, soft, cracked, red, or leaky. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

Remove Water Sources Get rid of any water sources, including leaky hoses and pet water bowls. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

leak entry 1 or leak entry 2 + -y entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leaky

• cheeky
• creaky
• freaky
• kiki
• sneaky
• squeaky
• streaky

Kids Definition

leaky

adjective

ˈlē-kē 

leakier; leakiest

: permitting fluid to leak in or out

a leaky boat

leakiness noun

Medical Definition

leaky

adjective

ˈlē-kē 

: relating to or being a mutant gene that changes the structure of the protein and especially an enzyme that it determines so that some but not all of its biological activity is lost

also : being such a protein with subnormal activity