What does leafing mean?
Leafing means looking through a book, magazine, or website, usually without reading every word. The expression “leafing through” conveys casual or exploratory attention: a reader may leaf through a magazine, skim a report, or browse the pages of an online store. In a physical-book context, leafing can also emphasize the act of turning pages, though “browsing” and “skimming” often better describe the reader’s purpose. A less common sense is connected with vegetation, as in a tree that is beginning to “leaf out,” meaning it is developing new leaves. Overall, leafing is a familiar and slightly descriptive word for the gentle activity of looking through a collection of pages or materials.
To browse through a book, magazine, or website, or to turn the pages of a book.
"He leafed through the catalogue until he found the right model."
Usually appears in the form “leaf through.”
To develop leaves or become covered in new leaves.
"The hedges leafed out during the warm spring weeks."
This sense is chiefly associated with plants and vegetation and commonly takes the form “leaf out.”
Before we scrolled, we leafed: leafing is the traditional word for casually exploring books, magazines, and websites.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leafing come from?
The verb “leaf” comes from Old English lēaf, the Old Norse counterpart, and their common Germanic ancestor. The modern meaning involving books developed from the practice of turning the leaves of a book; the verb acquired the sense of browsing material online in the digital era. Related English words include “leafy” and “leaflet,” both formed from the same lexical root.
Related word forms
How leafing is actually used
The expression “leafing through” is common in both British and American English. “Leafing out” refers to trees or plants becoming covered in leaves, but it is less common in general use.
Easily confused with leafing
Leafing means browsing through a book or website, whereas leaving means departing from a place or activity.