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

Klum embraced a coordinated mom-and-fur-baby dressing moment by giving her new pup a red and purple leather leash and collar. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 6 Apr. 2026

In the next photo, her two boys could be seen peering over a large tank at the aquarium, with a plastic children’s leash connecting Hayden to the Bachelor in Paradise alum’s wrist. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026

Late last year, a group of advocates successfully pushed the city to expand an off-leash area for dogs at MacArthur Park after complaining that the city lacked adequate space for animals to roam. —Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026

Officials remind the public to report aggressive wildlife immediately, always supervise children outdoors, keep pets on a leash and close by and avoid leaving food or trash accessible. —Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 3 Apr. 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