Definition of lean
leaned
play \ˈlēnd, chiefly British ˈlent\;leaning
play \ˈlē-niŋ\intransitive verb
1a : to incline, deviate, or bend from a vertical position He leaned back in his chair.b : to cast one's weight to one side for support lean on me as we walk.
2 : to rely for support or inspiration preferred not to lean on his father in building a career — Current Biography
3 : to incline in opinion, taste, or desire leaning toward a career in chemistry
transitive verb
: to cause to lean : incline The boy leaned his head on his mother's shoulder.
lean on
: to apply pressure to They were leaning on the governor to pass the law.
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of lean
Middle English lenen, from Old English hleonian; akin to Old High German hlinēn to lean, Greek klinein, Latin clinare
First Known Use: before 12th century
Origin and Etymology of lean
see 1lean
First Known Use: 1776
lean
Definition of lean
1a : lacking or deficient in fleshb : containing little or no fat lean meat
2 : lacking richness, sufficiency, or productiveness lean profits the lean years
3 : deficient in an essential or important quality or ingredient: such asa of ore : containing little valuable mineralb : low in combustible component —used especially of fuel mixtures
4 : characterized by economy (as of style, expression, or operation)
leanly
adverbExamples of lean in a Sentence
She has a lean, athletic body.
all of the marathoners are extremely lean
Origin and Etymology of lean
Middle English lene, from Old English hlǣne
First Known Use: before 12th century
Synonym Discussion of lean
lean
Definition of lean
transitive verb
: to make lean
Before 12th Century
First Known Use of lean
before 12th century
lean
Definition of lean
: the part of meat that consists principally of lean muscle
15th Century
First Known Use of lean
15th century
LEAN Defined for English Language Learners
lean
Definition of lean for English Language Learners
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: not having much fat on the body : physically thin, strong, and healthy
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: containing little or no fat
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: not having or producing much money, food, etc.
LEAN Defined for Kids
Definition of lean for Students
leaned
;leaning
1 : to bend or tilt from an upright position Lean the ladder against the wall. I leaned forward.
2 : to bend and rest on You can lean on me.
3 : depend 1 She leans on her friends for help.
4 : to tend or move toward in opinion, taste, or desire She leans towards city life.
Learn More about lean
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See words that rhyme with lean Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lean Spanish Central: Translation of lean Nglish: Translation of lean for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lean for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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