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

The American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests introducing both dogs in a neutral place and walking them round the yard together on separate leashes. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

The pocket also has a phone leash to prevent phones from going overboard while riding the chair lift. —Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2025

For easy access to necessities like keys, leashes, and more, try wall storage like these hangable wire baskets. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025

Plus, try out a hands-free leash or an aesthetically pleasing carrier for poop bags. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 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