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.

---

Other Word Forms

• leeringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of leering

leer ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

At the gym, located in Garden Grove, Hansen says they were met with unwelcoming and leering stares before entering the facility.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

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

To add insult to injury, she describes John Eastman, another coup plotter, as flashing a "leering grin" while Giuliani manhandled her.

From Salon • Sep. 22, 2023

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

I saw them leering and laughing, and something clicked inside me.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King