leaflet

[leef-lit]

noun

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

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

a small leaflike part or structure.

a small or young leaf.

verb (used with object), leaf·let·ed or leaf·let·ted, leaf·let·ing or leaf·let·ting.

to distribute leaflets or handbills to or among: Campaign workers leafleted shoppers at the mall.

verb (used without object), leaf·let·ed or leaf·let·ted, leaf·let·ing or leaf·let·ting.

to distribute leaflets.

Origin of leaflet

First recorded in 1780–90; leaf + -let

Related formsleaf·let·er, leaf·let·ter, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for leafleting

leaflet

noun

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

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

(loosely) any small leaf or leaflike part

verb

to distribute printed leaflets (to)they leafleted every flat in the area

Derived Formsleafleter, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for leafleting

leaflet

1787 as a term in botany; 1867 as a term in printing and publication; diminutive of leaf (n.)

A newspaperman asked the British authorities for a copy of the leaflets distributed in Germany by British airplanes. According to the London Daily Herald, his request was refused with the following answer: "Copies are not given out, as they might fall into enemy hands." ["The Living Age" magazine, Sept. 1939-Feb. 1940]

leafleting in Science

leaflet

[lē′flĭt]

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