What does leather mean?
Leather is a strong, flexible material made from the treated skin of animals, especially cattle. It is valued for its durability, suppleness, and ability to be shaped into clothing, footwear, bags, belts, book covers, and furniture. When used as an adjective, leather describes an object made from this material: a leather jacket, a leather bag, or a leather-bound book. The same word can function as a verb meaning to cover or make something with leather. In ordinary use, leather is a mass noun rather than something counted in the plural. The term also has a British informal meaning for a drink of leather, although this sense is uncommon in modern English. Its long history as a practical material explains why it remains familiar in everyday vocabulary while also carrying associations of craftsmanship, luxury, durability, and traditional workmanship.
The tough, flexible material made from the tanned skin of animals, especially cattle, and used for clothing, footwear, bags, and other objects.
"The briefcase was made of black leather."
Usually a mass noun; plural forms are uncommon.
To make something out of leather or cover something with leather.
"The worker leathered the wooden handle."
Less common than the noun and adjective uses.
Made of or consisting of leather.
"She put on her leather gloves."
Usually used before a noun, as in “leather jacket” or “leather chair.”
Rare in ordinary usage, but possible for separate leather items or kinds of leather.
"The shop sells belts, wallets, and other small leathers."
Leather is one of civilization’s oldest materials: durable, repairable, and shaped by traditions that stretch back thousands of years.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leather come from?
Leather comes from Old English læþer, the word for animal skin prepared for use. The Old English term is related to cognates in several Germanic languages, including Old Norse leðr and Old Frisian ledder. Over time, leather developed into its modern broad meaning for treated animal hide and for objects made from it.
Related word forms
How leather is actually used
The noun is normally a mass noun, so plural forms are uncommon and are mainly used for separate items or kinds of leather. As an adjective, leather is usually used attributively, as in “leather shoes,” rather than after a linking verb. “Leather” can also mean a drink of leather in British English.