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

The smell of fresh leather goods pervades the air.

From BBC

Another dimension of Abbe, scholars say, is encoded in a light-brown leather account book.

From The Wall Street Journal

Edward, in his all-black leather outfit with his wild hair, is a visual culture shock, especially in comparison to the pastel world of the burbs he moves into.

From Salon

Metro-inspired set, he wore an entirely red leather outfit, complementing the color scheme of his most recent release, “Don’t Tap the Glass.”

From Los Angeles Times

In Italian nappa leather, this petite clutch can corral her euro coins—and store international currency between trips.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• skin