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

And people with children should pick them up and keep their pets on leashes. —Jose Fabian, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

Pet services will be available at the center and owners should bring the pet’s food, leash/harness, medications, and any other items needed to care for the pet. —Harry Harris, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026

Never let pets off the leash on snow or ice. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Jan. 2026

Old dog leashes and collars Leashes and collars are to our dogs as slippers are to us, which is funny to think about! —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 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