leaflet

American  

[leef-lit] / ˈlif lɪt /

noun

1. a small flat or folded sheet of printed matter, as an advertisement or notice, usually intended for free distribution.

2. one of the separate blades or divisions of a compound leaf.

3. a small leaflike part or structure.

4. a small or young leaf.

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verb (used with object)

leafleted, leafletted, leafleting, leafletting

1. to distribute leaflets or handbills to or among.

   Campaign workers leafleted shoppers at the mall.

verb (used without object)

leafleted, leafletted, leafleting, leafletting

1. to distribute leaflets.

leaflet British  

/ ˈliːflɪt /

noun

1. a printed and usually folded sheet of paper for distribution, usually free and containing advertising material or information about a political party, charity, etc

2. any of the subdivisions of a compound leaf such as a fern leaf

3. (loosely) any small leaf or leaflike part

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verb

1. to distribute printed leaflets (to)

   they leafleted every flat in the area

leaflet Scientific  

/ lē′flĭt /

1. A small leaf or leaflike part, especially one of the blades or divisions of a compound leaf.

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Other Word Forms

• leafleter noun
• leafletter noun

Etymology

Origin of leaflet

First recorded in 1780–90; leaf + -let

Explanation

A paper advertisement or a folded brochure is called a leaflet. To spread the word that your band is playing tonight, you could hand out leaflets. Most leaflets are free, part of their purpose being to attract an audience or customers, or to spread specific information or propaganda. You can also use this word to mean "small section of a leaf," particularly on a "compound leaf," which is made up of several leaflets, like the leaf of the ash tree. This botanical meaning is the original one — the "pamphlet" meaning arose in the 1800s, from leaf, or "page of a book."

Example Sentences

The imprint was missing from a leaflet containing an open letter by a pensioner who had switched her support from Labour to Reform UK.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Mui offers him a leaflet in case he wants more information, and the man refuses to take it.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

One afternoon, as Isabella left school for the day, someone thrust a leaflet into her hand.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2025

They were equipped with heavy-duty bolt-cutters, angle grinders, glue, sand, Just Stop Oil high-visibility vests and a leaflet containing instructions to follow when interacting with police.

From BBC • May 27, 2025

Ma shrugs and reaches for a biscuit while I study the leaflet.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins

Related Words

• advertisement
• brochure
• bulletin
• flyer
• pamphlet