lean
verb (used without object)
to incline or bend from a vertical position.
leans
-
present tense formof lean (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The woman sitting next to me leans close.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026
The global North leans toward consumer uses such as shopping, search and feedback, according to the report.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026
Usman Muhammad pauses by the entrance to a tiny Nigerian prison cell and leans his forehead against the wall unable to speak.
From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026
The report sees AI as a serious threat, and leans into the notion of fostering human-centered judgment.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
“Yeah, I know I’m Black, and so it’s supposed to be a natural fit, but…” She leans in and waits patiently for me to finish my thought.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
