leathery

adjective

leath·​ery ˈle-t͟hə-rē How to pronounce leathery (audio)
ˈlet͟h-rē
Synonyms of leatherynext
: resembling, characteristic of, or suggestive of leather
a leathery face
a leathery aroma

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To me, leathery, musky, earthy, and spicy is the best way to describe this fragrance—like a mezcal cocktail set on fire for dramatic effect at a boujee restaurant. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026 The shell was probably soft and leathery and didn’t fossilize readily, which would explain why scientists have not found signs of therapsid eggs until now. Kate Wong, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026 In April, tall stalks bearing deep-pink flowers emerge from the leathery, glossy foliage. Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 13 Apr. 2026 Heaps of leathery brown prickly pear pads sagged into the dirt and ash. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leathery

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leathery was circa 1552

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Cite this Entry

“Leathery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leathery. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

leathery

adjective
leath·​ery ˈlet͟h-(ə-)rē How to pronounce leathery (audio)
: resembling leather in appearance or quality : tough
a leathery face
leathery leaves

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