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lee

noun \ ˈlē \

Definition of lee

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

See lee defined for English-language learners

See lee defined for kids

Examples of lee in a Sentence

  1. the lee of the ship

Recent Examples of lee from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lee.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lee

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

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

2

lee

adjective

Definition of lee

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

First Known Use of lee

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, port, starboard, stay

Lee

biographical name \ ˈlē \

Definition of Lee

Ann 1736–1784 American (English-born) Shaker

Lee

biographical name

Definition of Lee

Charles 1731–1782 American (English-born) general

Lee

biographical name

Definition of Lee

David Morris 1931–     American physicist

Lee

biographical name

Definition of Lee

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

Lee

biographical name

Definition of Lee

Francis Lightfoot 1734–1797 American statesman in Revolution

Lee

biographical name

Definition of Lee

(Nelle) Harper 1926–2016 American novelist

Lee

biographical name

Definition of Lee

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

Lee

biographical name

Definition of Lee

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

Lee

biographical name

Definition of Lee

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

Lee

biographical name

Definition of Lee

Robert E(dward) 1807–1870 American Confederate general

Lee

biographical name

Definition of Lee

Sir Sidney 1859–1926 English editor and scholar

Lee

biographical name

Definition of Lee

Yuan Tseh 1936–     American (Taiwanese-born) chemist

LEE Defined for English Language Learners

lee

noun

Definition of lee for English Language Learners

  • : the side of something that is sheltered from the wind

LEE Defined for Kids

1

lee

noun \ ˈlē \

Definition of lee for Students

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

lee

adjective

Definition of lee for Students

: of or relating to the side sheltered from the wind

Learn More about lee

  1. See words that rhyme with lee Spanish Central: Translation of lee Nglish: Translation of lee for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lee for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lee

Seen and Heard

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