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

An agent took Prada’s leash, and investigators from multiple federal agencies began an intensive search of Rogers’ house. — Eamon Javers, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Though her doghouse remains intact, Clara said that part of her leash was burned and there's a heavy amount of soot left behind. — Lauren Pozen, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026

The brand, which built its name on bags engineered for organization — pockets, key leashes, laptop compartments and a place for seemingly everything — has debuted a new chapter with the Super Soft collection. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

The leash requirement is designed to promote public safety and help prevent dogs from running into traffic, approaching strangers without permission or interacting with other animals in unpredictable ways. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 22 Sep. 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