leathery

adjective

leath·​ery ˈle-t͟hə-rē 

ˈlet͟h-rē

: resembling, characteristic of, or suggestive of leather

a leathery face

a leathery aroma

Synonyms of leathery

• tough
• brittle
• chewy

Examples of leathery in a Sentence

the old farmer's leathery, brown skin

the leathery meat served in the cafeteria drove many of us to start bringing our own lunches

Recent Examples on the Web

Wilted or leathery leaves are signs of low humidity, while yellow spots on the leaves indicate fungal spotting from too much humidity. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2026

The leathery leaves grow several inches in length and width, emerging with a dark purple color before turning deep green. — Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 22 Sep. 2026

The black dress was crafted in a leathery fabric, with a shift bodice and sinuous, elevated neckline. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Backlit with the beams from a flashlight, a figure came into view inside the leathery sac. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leathery

• feathery

Kids Definition

leathery

adjective

leath·​ery ˈlet͟h-(ə-)rē 

: resembling leather in appearance or quality : tough

a leathery face

leathery leaves