loose-leaf

adjective

ˈlüs-ˈlēf 

1

: having leaves secured in book form in a cover whose spine may be opened for adding, arranging, or removing leaves

loose-leaf notebook

2

: of, relating to, or used with a loose-leaf binding

loose-leaf paper

Examples of loose-leaf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

David’s Tea’s Mother’s Little Helper This loose-leaf tea has an intense minty, citrusy, and medicinal flavor, which honestly just comes with the territory. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026

Across some states, it may be sold to people of all ages at gas stations, smoke shops and convenience, grocery and health food stores and in various forms, including powders, loose-leaf teas, capsules, tablets and concentrates. — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

The electric version of Atmos’ coffee canister is easy to use — just push a button — and can also hold spices, nuts and loose-leaf tea. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026

For loose-leaf lettuce, scatter seeds over a bed and cover with ¼ inch of soil; for head lettuce, sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 2 inches apart. — Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for loose-leaf

• cloverleaf
• disbelief
• leitmotif
• overleaf
• unbelief
• beef
• brief
• chief
• fief
• grief
• leaf
• lief

Kids Definition

loose-leaf

adjective

ˈlü-ˈslēf

1

: designed so that sheets (as of paper) can be removed or inserted by opening a locking device

loose-leaf notebook

2

: of, relating to, or used with a loose-leaf binding

loose-leaf paper