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

Investigators documented that flooding in the parking area from leaky pipes has persisted since at least 2023, while a malfunctioning security gate posed a safety risk. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026

Fix leaky toilets as leaks are a big waste of water. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026

Now the leaky attic, once dominated by white sheetrock, is something of a magical escape. —Keith Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2026

Below the surface, the results are somewhat mixed; Vegas is generating chances (and goals) with the winger playing center, but the team defense has been a little leakier. —Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026

Word History

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