plural leashes
chiefly US
: a long, thin piece of rope, chain, etc., that is used for holding a dog or other animal
put a dog on a leash
Dogs must be kept on a leash while in the park.
The dog saw a cat and was straining at its leash trying to get at it.
—often used figurativelyThe coach kept her players on a (short/tight) leash throughout the year. [=the coach closely watched and controlled the behavior of her players]
The kids were straining at the leash to get going. [=were very eager to get going]
called also (chiefly British) lead
leashes; leashed; leashing
: to attach a leash to (a dog or other animal)
You need to leash your dog while in the park.
a leashed dog
Cite this Entry
“Leash.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/leash. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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