leave

verb (1)

\ ˈlēv

left\ ˈleft

\; leaving

Definition of leave

(Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

1a(1) : bequeath, devise left a fortune to his son

(2) : to have remaining after one's death leaves a widow and two children

b : to cause to remain as a trace or aftereffect oil leaves a stain the wound left an ugly scar

2a : to cause or allow to be or remain in a specified condition leave the door open his manner left me cold

b : to fail to include or take along left the notes at home the movie leaves a lot out

c : to have as a remainder 4 from 7 leaves 3

d : to permit to be or remain subject to another's action or control just leave everything to me

e : let

f : to cause or allow to be or remain available leave room for expansion left myself an out

3a : to go away from : depart leave the room

b : desert, abandon left his wife

c : to terminate association with : withdraw from left school before graduation

4 : to put, deposit, or deliver before or in the process of departing I left a package for you leave a message

intransitive verb

: set out, depart left for the office at eight sharp

leave alone

: to refrain from bothering, disturbing, or using Leave him alone while he's doing his homework.

leave

noun

Definition of leave (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : permission to do something

b : authorized especially extended absence from duty or employment

2 : an act of leaving : departure

leave

verb (2)

leaved; leaving

Definition of leave (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

: leaf

Other Words from leave Synonyms Leave vs. Let: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More about leave

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Synonyms for leave

Synonyms: Noun

break, holiday [chiefly British], hols [British], recess, vacation

Examples of leave in a Sentence

Noun

He took an unpaid leave from work. The soldiers were given a two-month leave for the holidays.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

This loss, however, left the coach and his team despondent, dulled by the team’s low level of energy throughout the match. — Julia Poe, Pro Soccer USA, "Three things we learned from Orlando City’s 3-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes," 3 Sep. 2019 Police were called to several stations after protesters jammed compartment doors to prevent trains from leaving. — Time Staff, Time, "Students Boycott Classes on the First Day of the School Year in Hong Kong's Latest Democracy Protest," 2 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'leave.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

leave

Definition of leave

Other Words from leave

Synonyms for leave

Leave vs. Let: Usage Guide

Examples of leave in a Sentence

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