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

Pack a favorite toy, blanket, bed or other comfort item, along with a leash or harness and a secure carrier if appropriate. — Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026

The family said Duran was not wearing an ankle leash or life jacket, deputies said. — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Use them on the patio to stash bug spray, sunscreen, and gardening gloves out of sight, or bring them indoors to a mudroom or entryway to organize pet leashes, shoes, purses, and other grab-and-go essentials. — Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026

Even the most dependent of the United States’ allies have mastered the arts of foot-dragging, leash-slipping, and lobbying Washington. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 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