leak Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape
- one of the tires developed a leak
noun soft watery rot in fruits and vegetables caused by fungi
noun a euphemism for urination
passing water; making water; wetting.
- he had to take a leak
noun the discharge of a fluid from some container
outflow; leakage; escape.
- they tried to stop the escape of gas from the damaged pipe
- he had to clean up the leak
noun unauthorized (especially deliberate) disclosure of confidential information
news leak.
verb tell anonymously
- The news were leaked to the paper
verb be leaked
leak out.
- The news leaked out despite his secrecy
verb enter or escape as through a hole or crack or fissure
- Water leaked out of the can into the backpack
- Gas leaked into the basement
verb have an opening that allows light or substances to enter or go out
- The container leaked gasoline
- the roof leaks badly

Akin to D. lek leaky, a leak, G.leck, Icel. lekr leaky, Dan. læk leaky, a leak, Sw. läck; cf. AS. hlec full of cracks or leaky. Cf. Leak, v.

A crack, crevice, fissure, or hole which admits water or other fluid, or lets it escape; as, a leak in a roof; a leak in a boat; a leak in a gas pipe. "One leak will sink a ship." Bunyan.
The entrance or escape of a fluid through a crack, fissure, or other aperture; as, the leak gained on the ship's pumps.

Akin to D. lekken, G. lecken, lechen, Icel. leka, Dan. lække, Sw. läcka, AS. leccan to wet, moisten. See Leak, n.

imperfect & past participle Leaked ; present participle & verbal noun Leaking

To let water or other fluid in or out through a hole, crevice, etc.; as, the cask leaks; the roof leaks; the boat leaks.
To enter or escape, as a fluid, through a hole, crevice, etc. ; to pass gradually into, or out of, something; -- usually with in or out.