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

Most beaches in Martin County are also dog-friendly, allowing for on-leash pets. —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

While the pig is still at large, Indy Parks is asking park patrons to keep their animals on leashes and alert staff of any sightings. —Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025

Baskets under the daybed do the heavy lifting of storing shoes, dog leashes, and other items that need to be readily available for quick grabs on the go. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025

Mitchell can’t say the same; therefore, his leash is likely, and understandably, shorter. —James Boyd, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025

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