leak
Looking for the meaning of leak? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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A crack, crevice, fissure, or hole which admits water or other fluid, or lets it escape.
“a leak in a boat”
The entrance or escape of a fluid through a crack, fissure, or other aperture.
“The babies' diapers had big leaks.”
A divulgation, or disclosure, of information previously held secret.
“The leaks by Chelsea Manning showed the secrets of the US military.”
The person through whom such divulgation, or disclosure, occurs.
“The press must have learned about the plan through a leak.”
A loss of electricity through imperfect insulation, or the point where it occurs.
The gradual loss of a system resource caused by failure to deallocate previously reserved portions.
“memory leak”
(especially with the verb "take") An act of urination.
“I have to take a leak.”
To allow fluid or gas to pass through an opening that should be sealed.
“The faucet has been leaking since last month.”
(of a fluid or gas) To pass through an opening that should be sealed.
“No one realized that propane gas was leaking from a rusty tank in the concession area, slowly filling the unventilated room.”
To disclose secret information surreptitiously or anonymously.
“Someone must have leaked it to our competitors that the new product will be out soon.”
Leaky.
Understanding "leak"
The word **"leak"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/liːk/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"leak"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "leak" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "leak" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "leak" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /liːk/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "leak" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "leak" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "leak" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "leak". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/liːk/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "leak" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use leak in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "leak" can be used in academic and casual conversations.