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

Stick to loose-leaf teas, light finger foods, like scones and sandwiches, and charming tableware. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2025

Wooley: The speciality coffee sector set the standard for ethical sourcing and consumer education, and loose-leaf tea now mirrors its emphasis on quality, origin, and ethical production. —Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Both heading and non-heading or loose-leaf lettuces are available. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025

The team heated the solutions to below boiling temperatures and added either loose-leaf tea of various sizes or leaves in different commercial bags. —Simon Spichak, Health, 6 Mar. 2025

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