leer

UK: /ˈlɪə^r/ US: /lɪr/ ,(lēr)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

leer¹ /lɪr/   v. [no object]

1. to look with a sideways glance, esp. one suggesting sexual interest.

n. [countable]

2. a sly look, or one that suggests sexual interest.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

leer¹  (lēr), v.i. 

1. to look with a sideways or oblique glance, esp. suggestive of lascivious interest or sly and malicious intention:
   I can't concentrate with you leering at me.

n. 

2. a lascivious or sly look.

• 1520–30; perh. verb, verbal use of obsolete leer cheek (Middle English leor, Old English hlēor; cognate with Old Norse hlȳr (plural))

leer′ing•ly, adv. 

leer²  (lēr), adj. [Brit. Dial.]

1. British Terms having no burden or load.
2. British Terms faint for lack of food;
   hungry.

• bef. 1050; Middle English lere, Old English gelǣr; cognate with German leer empty

leer³  (lēr), n. 

1. Ceramics lehr.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

leer / lɪə/ verb

1. (intransitive) to give an oblique, sneering, or suggestive look or grin

noun

1. such a look

Etymology: 16th Century: perhaps verbal use of obsolete leer cheek, from Old English hlēor

ˈleering adjective , noun

ˈleeringly adverb