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

First, traditional tea parties always use loose-leaf tea—never bagged. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2025

Linda Douglas, VinePair’s Top 4 Best New Bartender 2025, of Los Angeles, suggests looking in your pantry for herbs, spices, honey, or even loose-leaf tea. —Essence, 9 Aug. 2025

The Parlor at Zetter Marylebone is also the perfect setting for afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, cakes, vanilla and lavender scones and a great selection of loose-leaf teas. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

The store will feature a variety of loose-leaf teas, including unique blends incorporating Stachura's Honduran-Indigenous heritage. —Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 22 July 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