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 Guests also should take the chance to try their hand at some traditional Hawaiian activities, of which there are so many throughout the week, like wood carving, lei making, hula, ukulele, and canoe paddling. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2024 The winner's lei around his neck was a sweet smell and allowed time to reflect even in the immediacy of winning. Doug Ferguson, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2024 After the 49ers won the NFC Championship Game, Hufanga personally awarded that lei to Brock Purdy. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2024 Women dining in will be given a fresh Hawaiian lei upon arrival. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2024 After the lei welcome (and an offer of lemonade), they get treated to gifts: beach toys for toddlers, stuffed animals for kids, and caps for teenagers. Genevieve Ko, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2024 After a day of hula lessons, lei making, strumming ukuleles, nature walks, swimming like a mermaid, and collecting Montage Merit Badges with the Paintbox children’s program, kids can chow down on Hawaiian cuisine, go stargazing, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2023 As Hoke got off the bus, a young fan put a lei around the coach’s neck right before the team began the Warrior Walk up the east steps into the stadium. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2023 During the song, the pair joked that Ata is only turning 59 before Dwayne placed a pink-colored lei around her neck and planted a kiss on her head. Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 25 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'leu.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near leu

Cite this Entry

“Leu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leu. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

Leu

abbreviation
leucine; leucyl
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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