What does lean mean?
Lean is a versatile word that can describe a person’s build, the composition of food, the economy of a style, the angle of a wall, or a person’s preferences. In its most familiar adjectival sense, it means thin or having little fat, but “lean meat” similarly emphasizes that a food contains little fat. Lean can also mean spare, economical, or unadorned, as in a lean design or a lean budget. As a verb, it describes tilting or resting against something, relying on another person, or gradually favoring an opinion or course of action. The phrase expressing a preference conveys not only approval but also a tentative movement toward one position. Although the noun is relatively rare, “lean” can name a tendency or inclination. Together, these meanings share an association with economy: bodily slimness, limited fat, reduced ornament, or a preference that is not yet decisive.
Having little fat; containing little fat; or characterized by simplicity, economy, or lack of excess.
"The restaurant specializes in lean cuisine and simple, seasonal dishes."
When describing food, “lean” normally means low in fat rather than low in quantity. In artistic or stylistic contexts, it suggests spare, restrained, or economical design.
To incline or bend; rest against something; rely on someone; or tend toward a particular opinion or course of action.
"He leaned against the wall and considered the offer carefully."
The meanings “rely on” and “tend toward” are established idiomatic uses. “Tend toward” often implies a developing preference rather than a fixed belief.
The condition or quality of being lean, or a tendency or inclination toward a particular position.
"Her work shows a strong lean toward minimalism."
The noun is uncommon compared with the adjective and verb. In the sense of an inclination, it often appears in modified forms such as “a political lean.”
This plural is used for the rare noun meaning a tendency or inclination; the ordinary verb form is “leaned” or “leaning.”
"The new policy has distinct political and economic leans."
Lean can describe a body, a meal, an argument, or even a wall: it can mean thin, spare, unadorned, or tilted.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lean come from?
The adjective descends from Middle English lene and Old English hlæne, meaning thin or without fat; related Germanic forms include Swedish len, Dutch leeg, and German leer, associated with thinness or emptiness. The verb developed through Middle English lenen from Old English lenian, “to incline or support oneself,” and is related to Dutch leunen, German lehnen, and Swedish luta. The separate histories explain why modern “lean” can refer both to a lack of excess and to a physical or figurative inclination.
Related word forms
How lean is actually used
The adjective is neutral in most contexts, though it can sound approving when describing a person’s physique and mildly critical when describing food that lacks richness or richness of character. The verb is especially common in the senses of relying on someone and tending toward an opinion. The noun is comparatively uncommon outside phrases such as “a political lean.”