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lee
[ lee ]
/ li /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
protective shelter: The lee of the rock gave us some protection against the storm.
the side or part that is sheltered or turned away from the wind: We erected our huts under the lee of the mountain.
Chiefly Nautical. the quarter or region toward which the wind blows.
adjective
pertaining to, situated in, or moving toward the lee.
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Idioms about lee
by the lee, Nautical. accidentally against what should be the lee side of a sail: Careless steering brought the wind by the lee.
under the lee, Nautical. to leeward.
Origin of lee
First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English hlēo(w) “shelter covering, protection,” cognate with Old Frisian hli, hly, Old Saxon hleo, Old Norse hlé
Words nearby lee
ledgy, Ledoux, Le Duc Tho, Ledyard, Led Zeppelin, lee, leeboard, leech, leech line, leech rope, Leeds
Other definitions for lee (2 of 2)
Lee
[ lee ]
/ li /
noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use lee in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for lee (1 of 3)
lee
/ (liː) /
noun
a sheltered part or side; the side away from the direction from which the wind is blowing
by the lee nautical so that the wind is blowing on the wrong side of the sail
under the lee nautical towards the lee
adjective
(prenominal) nautical on, at, or towards the side or part away from the windon a lee shore Compare weather (def. 5)
Word Origin for lee
Old English hlēow shelter; related to Old Norse hle
British Dictionary definitions for lee (2 of 3)
Lee1
/ (liː) /
noun
a river in SW Republic of Ireland, flowing east into Cork Harbour. Length: about 80 km (50 miles)
British Dictionary definitions for lee (3 of 3)
Lee2
/ (liː) /
noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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