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

So the state offered amnesty in 1986 for the polluters to come forward and report their leaky tanks and the state would pay the clean up. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026

But the Ducks managed just one shot on goal during the long power play, and Skjei slipped past Anaheim’s leaky defense on a breakaway and snapped a shot over Dostal’s right shoulder for a short-handed goal and a 3-0 lead with 58 seconds left in the second. —ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026

But the Ducks managed just one shot on goal during the long power play, and Skjei slipped past Anaheim's leaky defense on a breakaway and snapped a shot over Dostal's right shoulder for a short-handed goal and a 3-0 lead with 58 seconds left in the second. —CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

Choose sustainable solutions, not quick, leaky patches. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 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
• 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