leaky

adjective

ˈlē-kē How to pronounce leaky (audio)
leakier; leakiest
Synonyms of leakynext
: permitting fluid to leak in or out
leakily
ˈlē-kə-lē How to pronounce leaky (audio)
adverb
leakiness
ˈlē-kē-nəs How to pronounce leaky (audio)
noun

Examples of leaky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What health conditions are linked to leaky gut? — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026 Fix leaky faucets and remove sources of standing water. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 10 June 2026 Place leaky items like defrosting meat on plates, bowls, or paper towels to catch drips. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 June 2026 Some buildings have leaky roofs or frequent basement flooding. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for leaky

Word History

Etymology

leak entry 1 or leak entry 2 + -y entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leaky was in the 15th century

Rhymes for leaky

See All Rhymes for leaky

Browse Nearby Words

leakproof
leaky
leal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaky. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

leaky

adjective
ˈlē-kē How to pronounce leaky (audio)
leakier; leakiest
: permitting fluid to leak in or out
a leaky boat
leakiness noun

Medical Definition

leaky

adjective
ˈlē-kē How to pronounce leaky (audio)
: relating to or being a mutant gene that changes the structure of the protein and especially an enzyme that it determines so that some but not all of its biological activity is lost
also : being such a protein with subnormal activity

More from Merriam-Webster on leaky

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for leaky

Nglish: Translation of leaky for Spanish Speakers

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