leering

American  

[leer-ing] / ˈlɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. indicating lewd, sly, or malicious intent.

   He regarded her with a leering grin as she walked slowly up the path.

2. having a lewd, sly, or malicious look.

   The massive door, with a leering gargoyle for a knocker, lent the scene an air of unreality.

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Other Word Forms

• leeringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of leering

leer ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

But when she played the early solo cut “Money” too, a leering rap banger, she showed she’s always had this in her.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2025

There are T-shirts, phones, watches, furniture, clocks, slippers, tents, wallets, trading cards, eye shadow and roller skates with Garfield’s leering image.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2024

He added it was a "privilege and honour" to be now playing the leering, flamboyant Emcee in "this incredible show".

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2023

When I got older and complained of leering looks and jeers, how did being told "don't be so sensitive" undermine my trust in my own senses?

From Salon • May 21, 2022

Sometimes a crush is better when it’s a one-way, as long as you keep quiet about it and don’t freak the girl out with creepy leering or unsolicited corny texts or whatever.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin