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Definition of leer

leer

/lɪər/
leer

Adverb:leeringly
•
Plural:leers
•
Adjective:leery
•
Past Simple:leered
•
Past Participle:leered
•
Present Participle:leering
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leer Lexical Profile

leer Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To look or gaze in an unpleasant, lascivious, or malicious way.

Example

"She felt uncomfortable when the stranger continued to leer at her from across the train carriage."

Synonyms
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• noun

1

An unpleasant, lustful, or malicious sideways look or grin.

Example

"The villain cast a sinister leer at the captured hero before locking the dungeon door."


2

A temperature-controlled kiln or oven used for annealing glass.

Example

"Once blown into shape, the glass vessels were placed inside the leer to cool gradually without cracking."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for leer

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'lere' (cheek or face), derived from Old English 'hlēor'. The modern sense developed in the 16th century from the phrase 'to look over the leer', meaning to cast a sidelong glance over one's cheek.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Leer. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/leer
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