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lee

noun
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\ ˈlē How to pronounce lee (audio) \

Definition of lee

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : protecting shelter
2 : the side (as of a ship) or area that is sheltered from the wind

lee

adjective

Definition of lee (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : of, relating to, or being the side sheltered from the wind — compare weather
2 : facing in the direction of motion of an overriding glacier —used especially of a hillside
Example Sentences Phrases Containing lee Learn More About lee

Examples of lee in a Sentence

Noun the lee of the ship

First Known Use of lee

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for lee

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hlēo; perhaps akin to Old High German lāo lukewarm, Latin calēre to be warm

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Time Traveler for lee

Time Traveler

The first known use of lee was before the 12th century

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Dictionary Entries Near lee

ledum camphor

lee

Lee

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Cite this Entry

“Lee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lee. Accessed 27 Jun. 2022.

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More Definitions for lee

lee

noun
\ ˈlē How to pronounce lee (audio) \

Kids Definition of lee

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a protecting shelter
2 : the side (as of a ship) sheltered from the wind

lee

adjective

Kids Definition of lee (Entry 2 of 2)

: of or relating to the side sheltered from the wind

Lee biographical name (1)

\ ˈlē How to pronounce Lee (audio) \

Definition of Lee

 (Entry 1 of 12)

Ann 1736–1784 American (English-born) Shaker

Lee

biographical name (2)

Definition of Lee (Entry 2 of 12)

Charles 1731–1782 American (English-born) general

Lee

biographical name (3)

Definition of Lee (Entry 3 of 12)

David Morris 1931–     American physicist

Lee

biographical name (4)

Definition of Lee (Entry 4 of 12)

Fitzhugh 1835–1905 nephew of Robert E. Lee American general

Lee

biographical name (5)

Definition of Lee (Entry 5 of 12)

Francis Lightfoot 1734–1797 American statesman in Revolution

Lee

biographical name (6)

Definition of Lee (Entry 6 of 12)

(Nelle) Harper 1926–2016 American novelist

Lee

biographical name (7)

Definition of Lee (Entry 7 of 12)

Henry 1756–1818 Light-Horse Harry; father of Robert E. Lee American general

Lee

biographical name (8)

Definition of Lee (Entry 8 of 12)

Myung-bak 1941–     president of South Korea (2008–13)

Lee

biographical name (9)

Definition of Lee (Entry 9 of 12)

Richard Henry 1732–1794 brother of Francis Lightfoot Lee American statesman in Revolution

Lee

biographical name (10)

Definition of Lee (Entry 10 of 12)

Robert E(dward) 1807–1870 American Confederate general

Lee

biographical name (11)

Definition of Lee (Entry 11 of 12)

Sir Sidney 1859–1926 English editor and scholar

Lee

biographical name (12)

Definition of Lee (Entry 12 of 12)

Yuan Tseh 1936–     American (Taiwanese-born) chemist

More from Merriam-Webster on lee

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lee

Nglish: Translation of lee for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of lee for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lee

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