leather

[ leth-er ]

noun

1. the skin of an animal, with the hair removed, prepared for use by tanning or a similar process designed to preserve it against decay and make it pliable or supple when dry.
2. an article made of this material.
3. stirrup leather.

adjective

1. pertaining to, made of, or resembling leather:

   leather processing; leather upholstery.

2. Slang. catering to or patronized by customers who typically wear leather clothing, often as a means of signaling interest in or preference for sadomasochistic sexual activity.

verb (used with object)

1. to cover or furnish with leather.
2. Informal. to beat with a leather strap.

leather

/ ˈlɛðə /

noun

1. 1. a material consisting of the skin of an animal made smooth and flexible by tanning, removing the hair, etc
   2. ( as modifier ) coriaceousleathern

      leather goods

2. plural leather clothes, esp as worn by motorcyclists
3. the flap of a dog's ear

verb

1. to cover with leather
2. to whip with or as if with a leather strap

Other Words From

• under·leather noun
• un·leathered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of leather¹

before 1000; Middle English lether, Old English lether- (in compounds); cognate with Dutch, German leder, Old Norse lethr, MIr lethar skin, leather, Welsh lledr, Middle Breton lezr leather

Word History and Origins

Origin of leather¹

Old English lether- (in compound words); related to Old High German leder, Old Norse lethr-

Idioms and Phrases

see hell-bent for leather .

Example Sentences

Photos of the damage reveal claw marks on the leather seats and the leather lining of one of the doors.

From BBC

Then it lumbers around inside the car, raking the leather seats with its mighty claws.

From Los Angeles Times

From leather chaps to a vintage Dior coat, the items that these sellers shared are reminders of why they do what they do — and what makes a piece last a lifetime.

From Los Angeles Times

My style was more sleazy vintage: crazy ’80s lace, red leather, studded pieces that were really influenced by all the metal I was listening to.

From Los Angeles Times

“That’s why I started thrifting sexy leather pieces ... I like the idea of removing those pieces and recontextualizing them into something more empowering.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• skin