leather

[leth-er]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. to cover with leather

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

Other Word Forms

• underleather noun
• unleathered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of leather¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of leather¹

Old English lether- (in compound words); related to Old High German leder, Old Norse lethr-

Idioms and Phrases

see hell-bent for leather.

Example Sentences

For those who come in through the women’s side, you’ll be greeted with a leather goods salon that’s designed in shades of creamy white with gold accents and traditional Versailles parquet flooring.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He and his wife bought two new leather couches for their family lake house that attract less fur from their two dogs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

We try a tight corner off the square, a bodega with hanging leather wineskins and plenty of barrels, and finally win a spot at the small counter.

Read more on Salon

He’d deflate them and “beat them up pretty good” to work in the leather.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Already, Egyptian conservators based there have painstakingly restored items belonging to Tutankhamun, including his impressive armour made of textiles and leather.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• skin