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

But in states that haven’t banned kratom, it’s sold at gas stations, smoke shops and convenience, grocery and health food stores in various forms, including powders, loose-leaf teas, capsules, tablets and concentrates. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026

Traditional coffee, loose-leaf tea and refreshers are also on the menu alongside a few pastries. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026

The menu features a variety of coffee drinks, matcha lattes and loose-leaf teas, with pastries from Bakers Kneaded. —Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026

Lettuce seeds germinate the fastest and most reliably in temperatures around 75°F, but some loose-leaf lettuce varieties that are known for their cold tolerance, such as ‘Arctic King’, germinate in temperatures as low as 40°F. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 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