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

With dresses and intimate wear for women; jewelry; personal care products; men’s wallets; baby swaddles, stuffies, rattles and teething toys; dog leashes, collars and toys; greeting cards and a wide range of home decor, the store is drawing people in. —Sarah Kyrcz, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026

Enjoy live music on weekends, an off-leash dog park, and a mix of outdoor seating. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026

Between shoes, bags, and pet leashes, entryway spaces can quickly get chaotic. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026

In the latest development in the years-long battle over what to do with Winnetka’s lakefront, the Park District has pushed a plan that would construct chain-link fencing on Centennial Beach in order to create an off-leash area where dogs can roam freely. —Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 24 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