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

While Underwood's perfect pass to Buchanan saved the day, and perhaps the entire year for Michigan, that doesn't mean he's earned an infinite leash as QB1 in head coach Kyle Whittingham's eyes. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Dog leashes, jars of treats, stray toys, and other items can all be neatly stored here. — Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026

Backpack-wearing college students dart across crosswalks, coffee in hand, while neighbors stroll shady sidewalks leading pups on leashes. — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026

Police are reminding residents to keep dogs and other pets on a leash and away from the water, and to keep children under close supervision. — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 27 Aug. 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