plural lei ˈlā How to pronounce leu (audio)
: the basic monetary unit of Moldova and Romania see Money Table

Examples of leu in a Sentence

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.
Luhrmann has also unearthed some hypnotic clips of Elvis performing live in Hawaii in 1957, wearing a shimmering gold jacket, his neck ringed with a lei. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 20 Feb. 2026 Haack shared images with Larocca, wearing a white bikini and a purple Hawaiian lei. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026 On arrival, you're greeted with a fresh flower lei and a Mai Tai. Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026 In ancient Hawaii, dancers wore simpler clothing made of kapa (barkcloth fabric) and shell and leaf lei, not only around their shoulders but also lei poo (lei atop the head) and kupee (lei around ankles or wrists). Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leu

Word History

Etymology

Romanian, literally, lion, from Latin leo — more at lion

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leu was in 1879

Cite this Entry

“Leu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leu. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

Leu

abbreviation
leucine; leucyl
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster