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

Bond investors kept former PM Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves on a short leash and sent yields up in response to their borrowing plans. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 July 2026

The park is dog-friendly; just be sure to keep your pup on a leash while exploring the trails. — Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026

Know where your pets like to hide, keep leashes and carriers near the door, and practice your evacuation route. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Remove hazardous plants when possible, or use barriers, playpens, leashes or elevated plant stands to keep pets away. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 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