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.
How many hotels make free lessons in language, hula, lei making, and ukulele a round-the-clock endeavor? Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 14 May 2026 In Hawaii, many will also celebrate Lei Day, a day to honor the lei, a necklace typically made of flowers. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 May 2026 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 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 18 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

Leu

abbreviation
leucine; leucyl
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