Pronunciation

/ˈleðər/

Definitions

• Noun: The durable, flexible, and typically non-glossy material made from tanning animal rawhide, especially cowhide, and used for making furniture, shoes, clothing, and various accessories. Example: “The sofa was upholstered with soft, high-quality leather.”
• Adjective: Made of or resembling leather. Example: “She wore a leather jacket on her motorcycle ride.”

Noun Examples

• “He treated himself to a new pair of leather boots.”
• “The antique desk was adorned with tooled leather accents.”

Adjective Examples

• “The leather-bound book had been passed down through generations.”
• “A leather sofa adds sophistication to any living room.”

Phrases

• “In the rough” - Refers to leather that has not been finished or smoothed out after tanning.
• “Leather and lace” - A combination representing contrasting elements, often used metaphorically to describe a balance between toughness and femininity.

Synonyms

• Hide
• Cuir (French)
• Leatherette (imitation leather)
• Suede
• Patent leather
• Cowhide
• Buffalo hide

Antonyms (for the adjective sense)

• Non-leather
• Synthetic
• Fabric
• Faux leather

Related Phrases & Idioms

• “Get off your high horse” - Sometimes used in reference to the old practice of using leather reins on horses; it means to stop being arrogant or condescending.
• “As tough as old boots” - A phrase used to describe something or someone very durable or resilient, often associated with leather due to its durability.

Note: While “leather” doesn’t have verb or other parts-of-speech uses like the example given for “hello,” it can be used in idiomatic expressions and compound nouns (e.g., leatherworker, leather goods).