leash

noun

ˈlēsh 

1

a

: a line for leading or restraining an animal

b

: something that restrains : the state of being restrained

keeping spending on a tight leash

2

a

: a set of three animals (such as greyhounds, foxes, bucks, or hares)

b

: a set of three

leash transitive verb

Examples of leash in a Sentence

put a dog on a leash

Dogs must be kept on a leash while in the park.

The dog saw a cat and was straining at its leash trying to get at it.

Recent Examples on the Web

Abandoned at the airport with nothing but a leash and a lot of confusion, a young goldendoodle has landed somewhere better than any arrival gate — on the couch of the officer who rescued him. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026

Off-leash play areas, a dedicated café, a members-only lounge, and now a 28-foot mural celebrating one of the city’s most recognizable dog-and-owner bonds. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026

Adding a few pet-safe treats or a new leash can make the moment feel just as special for them too. —Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026

Two men got out of the vehicle, but one man tied the dogs' leashes to the front entrance before driving away. —Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lees, leshe, from Anglo-French *lesche, lesse, probably from lesser to leave, let go

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing leash

• leash law
• strain at the leash

Rhymes for leash

• quiche
• pastiche
• unleash

Kids Definition

leash

noun

ˈlēsh 

1

: a line for leading or controlling an animal

2

: something that restrains : the state of being restrained

kept spending on a tight leash

leash verb