leaflet

[ leef-lit ]

noun

1. a small flat or folded sheet of printed matter, as an advertisement or notice, usually intended for free distribution.
2. one of the separate blades or divisions of a compound leaf.
3. a small leaflike part or structure.
4. a small or young leaf.

verb (used with object)

, leaf·let·ed or leaf·let·ted, leaf·let·ing or leaf·let·ting.

1. to distribute leaflets or handbills to or among:

   Campaign workers leafleted shoppers at the mall.

verb (used without object)

, leaf·let·ed or leaf·let·ted, leaf·let·ing or leaf·let·ting.

1. to distribute leaflets.

leaflet

/ ˈliːflɪt /

noun

1. a printed and usually folded sheet of paper for distribution, usually free and containing advertising material or information about a political party, charity, etc
2. any of the subdivisions of a compound leaf such as a fern leaf
3. (loosely) any small leaf or leaflike part

verb

1. to distribute printed leaflets (to)

   they leafleted every flat in the area

leaflet

/ lē′flĭt /

1. A small leaf or leaflike part, especially one of the blades or divisions of a compound leaf.

Derived Forms

• ˈleafleter, noun

Other Words From

• leaflet·er leaflet·ter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of leaflet¹

First recorded in 1780–90; leaf + -let

Example Sentences

Initially, he handed out leaflets on high streets as part of an animal rights group.

From BBC

She was executed for scattering leaflets at the University of Munich, decrying the inhumanity of the war.

From Salon

They stood in quiet protest and handed out leaflets saying travelling on the Sabbath was a sin and damaging to a person's soul and island life.

From BBC

Instead, she said she would only post leaflets and her husband did most of the door-knocking because "as a male he had a better rapport".

From BBC

Investigators have also claimed Arseny distributed leaflets critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the legion’s behalf.

From BBC

Related Words

• advertisement
• brochure
• bulletin
• flyer
• pamphlet