loose-leaf

adjective

ˈlüs-ˈlēf How to pronounce loose-leaf (audio)
1
: having leaves secured in book form in a cover whose spine may be opened for adding, arranging, or removing leaves
loose-leaf notebook
2
: of, relating to, or used with a loose-leaf binding
loose-leaf paper

Examples of loose-leaf 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.
Swap plastic tea bags for loose-leaf tea with a stainless steel strainer. — Ryan Brennan may 11, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026 Fruit peels, veggie cores, egg shells, coffee grounds, cooked pasta, and loose-leaf tea are fair game. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2026 Both heading and non-heading or loose-leaf lettuces are available. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026 Rubens saw a gap between supermarket tea and premium loose-leaf tea. — Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for loose-leaf

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loose-leaf was in 1902

Rhymes for loose-leaf

See All Rhymes for loose-leaf

Browse Nearby Words

loose-jointed
loose-leaf
loose-limbed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loose-leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loose-leaf. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

loose-leaf

adjective
ˈlü-ˈslēf
1
: designed so that sheets (as of paper) can be removed or inserted by opening a locking device
loose-leaf notebook
2
: of, relating to, or used with a loose-leaf binding
loose-leaf paper

More from Merriam-Webster on loose-leaf

Nglish: Translation of loose-leaf for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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