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

If your doorbell rings this afternoon and it’s a grinning person with a red rosette and a leaflet, you’ll know what they’re up to.

From BBC

An inquest in May 2024 heard his death "would have been avoided if he had not been erroneously discharged" with a leaflet about flu, and the coroner said what happened "amounts to a gross failure of basic care".

From BBC

Israeli media later reported the leaflet drop was done at the initiative of a local commander, and did not receive approval from senior military or political leaders.

From Los Angeles Times

A leaflet from police distributed to residents said that a "sizeable item of historic explosive ordnance" had been found in the estate.

From BBC

On one leaflet submitted by a listener of BBC Radio 4’s More Or Less, a bar chart shows parties’ vote shares in the seat.

From BBC

Related Words

• advertisement
• brochure
• bulletin
• flyer
• pamphlet