leak

verb

Save Word

\ 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

Keep scrolling for more

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 Associated Press Leading police officer charged in leaks A top Canadian police intelligence officer has been charged with leaking secret information, authorities said Friday, in what could be a major security breach. — Washington Post, "World Digest: Sept. 13, 2019," 13 Sep. 2019 The closure followed a July 2018 bridge inspection by the Arizona Department of Transportation that found deteriorated concrete from leaking fountains and irrigation. — Lorraine Longhi, azcentral, "Drinkwater Bridge in Scottsdale to reopen for the first time in 14 months," 11 Sep. 2019 After that meeting fell apart late last week, the president blamed Bolton for leaking stories about division in the White House, specifically a report that Vice President Mike Pence had sided with Bolton, which Pence vehemently denied. — Eli Stokols, Los Angeles Times, "Trump suggests he might soften Iran sanctions, day after firing hard-liner Bolton," 11 Sep. 2019 Just as that rubber strip creates a seal to keep cold air and moisture from leaking in under the door, the concrete sill meets up with the lock’s gate and creates a seal to keep water in the lock. — Gillian Flaccus, The Seattle Times, "Broken Columbia River barge lock means commerce chokehold," 10 Sep. 2019 The Trump Administration’s plan would loosen restrictions imposed by the Obama Administration on the extraction of oil and natural gas, which attempted to limit methane and other hyrdocarbons from leaking during transfer and storage. — Madeleine Carlisle, Time, "The Trump Administration Just Loosened Methane Emissions Rules. Here's What To Know," 31 Aug. 2019 The Office of the Inspector General for the Justice Department investigated Comey for leaking his own memos describing conversations with President Trump to his friend, Daniel Richman, a professor at Columbia University's law school. — Grace Segers, CBS News, "Inspector general finds James Comey did not release classified information to the public," 29 Aug. 2019 But the report denied Trump and his supporters, who have repeatedly accused Comey of leaking classified information, total vindication. — Eric Tucker, BostonGlobe.com, "James Comey violated FBI policies in handling of memos on Trump conversations, watchdog finds," 29 Aug. 2019 But the report denied Trump and his supporters, who have repeatedly accused Comey of leaking classified information, total vindication. — Eric Tucker, The Denver Post, "Former FBI Director James Comey violated FBI policies in handling of memos, DOJ watchdog says," 29 Aug. 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.