What does leathery mean?
Leathery is an adjective meaning that something resembles leather, especially in its texture, toughness, or resistance to bending and cutting. The word is often applied to animal skin, hides, food, and materials, describing a surface that feels firm, dense, and slightly flexible. In culinary contexts, leathery can carry a negative connotation, suggesting that food has been cooked until it is tough and difficult to chew. In descriptions of skin or leather goods, it is usually neutral and emphasizes the characteristic texture associated with leather. The term comes directly from the word leather and is useful when an object is not literally made of hide but has a similarly tough, pliable appearance or consistency.
adjectiveResembling leather, especially in texture or toughness. It may also describe something that is difficult to cut, bend, or chew because of its tough consistency.
- Resembling leather in texture, appearance, or toughness.
"The old jacket had a dry, leathery texture that softened with age."
"The meat had become leathery after cooking for too long."
"The dog's leathery skin was covered in short, coarse fur."
Leathery captures the distinctive combination of flexibility and toughness associated with hide, and it can describe food, skin, and materials alike.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leathery come from?
The word leathery was formed in English by adding the suffix -y to leather, a word that comes from Old English leþer. The Old English term belonged to a Germanic word family represented in modern languages by cognates such as Dutch leder and German Leder. The development from leather to leathery reflects the common English pattern of using -y to form an adjective describing a characteristic quality or resemblance.
How leathery is actually used
Leathery is commonly used for textures that are tough and somewhat resistant, especially in food, animal skin, and materials. It can sound mildly negative when describing food that is overcooked or difficult to chew.
Easily confused with leathery
Leathery describes a texture or tough consistency, whereas leathered means covered or made with leather.