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.
In ancient Hawaii, dancers wore simpler clothing made of kapa (barkcloth fabric) and shell and leaf lei, not only around their shoulders but also lei poo (lei atop the head) and kupee (lei around ankles or wrists). Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026 Best to put on a flower lei, grab a pineapple Dole Whip, and lean into it. Valerie Marino, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Jan. 2026 Still, prosecutors in Romania pursued a case against Wiz, with an initial ruling by the Constanța Tribunal imposing a 3,000 lei fine (about $690), per the Romanian newspaper CanCan. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2025 Many of the daily activities at the property, such as tie-dying, pastry classes, and lei making, are kid-friendly, but there’s also a complimentary kids program available for children ages 5 through 12, as well as a summer camp. Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2025 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 25 Jan. 2026.

Medical Definition

Leu

abbreviation
leucine; leucyl
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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