leather 1 of 2

noun

ˈle-t͟hər How to pronounce leather (audio)
Definition of leathernext
1
as in skin
the hairless natural covering of an animal prepared for use the company claims to use only the finest leathers for its shoes and handbags

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in pelt
the outer covering of an animal removed for its commercial value this jacket was made from real leather

Synonyms & Similar Words

leather

2 of 2

verb

as in to hide
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible an expert rider will find almost no reason to leather a horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of leather
Noun
The woman knows how to layer, and has a collection of leather jackets, camel coats, and stompy boots like nobody else. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Sep. 2026 In their matching studded leather jackets, the two hop on the former’s motorcycle to meet up with the others. — Cortlyn Kelly, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
The texture play looks cool and intentional, like an all-black outfit that layers leather with silk. — Samantha Brash, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026 All thoughtfully designed with custom touches— from minibars designed as leather campaign chests to leather writing tables accentuating the space. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leather
  1. skin
  2. pelt
  3. hide
  4. coat
  5. fur
  6. whip
  7. seal
  8. cowhide
Noun
  • In reaction to a skin-care landscape that became way too obsessed with acids and actives for a time, there’s a growing focus on healing our skin barriers with natural salves like honey.
    — Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026
  • When buying fresh ginger (ginger root), choose a heavy piece with smooth, brown skin with no wrinkles.
    — Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of skin
Noun
  • Despite the early date, the pelts were thick and lush with guard hairs reaching 11 inches.
    — Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026
  • River otters were hunted by the thousands for their pelts in the 17th and 18th centuries, according to the Sacramento Zoo’s page about the animal.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of pelt
Verb
  • Instead of hiding the internal mechanism, the design makes the mechanical elements part of the experience — allowing users to see, feel, and interact with the structure.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Taylor built a career out of being fully, unapologetically herself, rarely hiding behind the cloak of fame with an unrelenting focus on her pursuits.
    — Kathy Lee, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of hide
Noun
  • The boy, appearing to wear a black hoodie underneath a coat with green pants and black boots, is seen kneeling on the vessel.
    — Steven Romo, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The 28-year-old actress, a Coach global ambassador since 2024, wore a leopard-print coat over a black lace top and bright red leather skirt, with a black beret — and Coach bag, naturally.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of coat
Noun
  • Some pieces, such as the black faux fur jacket, would not have been possible to produce even just a few years ago.
    — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • There's no denying that teacup pets are simply adorable, but looking past the puppy-like fur, veterinarians question the ethics of breeding such a small animal.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of fur
Verb
  • Into the work, esparza’s has also added a scene from the Florentine Codex showing a Spaniard whipping an Indigenous person and images of ICE raids in LA and Chicago, connecting centuries of oppression together.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Many Hoosiers whip out their smartphones to pay for a latte or a drink at a bar.
    — Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of whip
Noun
  • Deputies provided medical aid at the scene, including applying a tourniquet and a chest seal, before the man was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The buds' ability to block out sound was astonishing, given the lack of an inner-ear seal.
    — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of seal
Verb
  • These sneakers feature white pebble leather, faux pony hair, and cowhide detachable straps.
    — Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 23 June 2023
Definition of cowhide

Browse Nearby Words

leastwise
leather
leathered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leather. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on leather

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leather

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of hobnob

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
funny guinea pig in glasses reading a book
Challenging Words You Should Know Vol 2 Words to the wise
See All