loose-leaf

American  

[loos-leef] / ˈlusˌlif /

adjective

1. (of a book, notebook, etc.) consisting of individual leaves held in a binder loose-leaf binder, as by rings that open and close, in such a way as to allow their removal, return, or replacement without tearing.

2. of or for use with a loose-leaf binder.

   loose-leaf paper.

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loose-leaf British  

adjective

1. (of a binder, album, etc) capable of being opened to allow removal and addition of pages

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noun

1. a serial publication published in loose leaves and kept in such a binder

Etymology

Origin of loose-leaf

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

There are no matcha, lattes or novelty drinks on the menu, only loose-leaf tea sourced from Japan.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

Ask your barista if they exclusively serve loose-leaf tea, tea bags, or freshly brewed tea in a pot.

From Salon • May 9, 2025

“And, if you are a tea drinker, try switching to loose-leaf tea,” says Williams.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2023

"But she's posh, so it would have to be one of those things for making loose-leaf tea. I got her a whale-shaped one before."

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2022

I rip out some loose-leaf paper and start writing.

From "The Skin I'm In" by Sharon G. Flake