leather

American  

[leth-er] / ˈlɛð ər /

noun

1. the skin of an animal, with the hair removed, prepared for use by tanning or a similar process designed to preserve it against decay and make it pliable or supple when dry.

2. an article made of this material.

3. stirrup leather.

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adjective

1. pertaining to, made of, or resembling leather.

   leather processing; leather upholstery.

2. Slang. catering to or patronized by customers who typically wear leather clothing, often as a means of signaling interest in or preference for sadomasochistic sexual activity.

verb (used with object)

1. to cover or furnish with leather.

2. Informal. to beat with a leather strap.

leather British  

/ ˈlɛðə /

noun

1. 1. a material consisting of the skin of an animal made smooth and flexible by tanning, removing the hair, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      leather goods

2. (plural) leather clothes, esp as worn by motorcyclists

3. the flap of a dog's ear

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verb

1. to cover with leather

2. to whip with or as if with a leather strap

leather Idioms  

1. see hell-bent for leather.

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Other Word Forms

• underleather noun
• unleathered adjective

Etymology

Origin of leather

before 1000; Middle English lether, Old English lether- (in compounds); cognate with Dutch, German leder, Old Norse lethr, MIr lethar skin, leather, Welsh lledr, Middle Breton lezr leather

Example Sentences

India hopes to boost exports of textiles, steel, automobiles, frozen shrimp, garments, gems and jewelry, and leather goods, among other things.

From The Wall Street Journal

His furniture is overstuffed leather chairs and colorful rugs and photos on the walls.

From Literature

But its core fashion and leather goods division—which houses brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior and is considered a bellwether for the luxury industry—posted a 3% drop in organic sales.

From The Wall Street Journal

However the top fashion and leather goods division, which accounts for nearly half of overall sales, also saw an eight percent drop in sales.

From Barron's

Even from a distance he’d be easy to recognize, because he always wears the same thing: a pair of jeans with a worn brown belt and leather hiking boots.

From Literature

Related Words

• skin