First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1leap
verb \ˈlēp\
: to jump from a surface
: to jump over (something)
: to move quickly
leaped or leapt \ˈlēpt also ˈlept\ leap·ing \ˈlē-piŋ\
Full Definition of LEAP
intransitive verb
1
: to spring free from or as if from the ground : jump <leap over a fence> <a fish leaps out of the water>
2
a : to pass abruptly from one state or topic to another b : to act precipitately <leaped at the chance>
transitive verb
: to pass over by leaping <leaped the wall>
— leap·er \ˈlē-pər\ noun
See leap defined for English-language learners
See leap defined for kids
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Origin of LEAP
Middle English lepen, from Old English hlēapan; akin to Old High German hlouffan to run
2leap
noun
: a long or high jump
: the distance that a person or animal jumps
: a great and sudden change, increase, or improvement
Full Definition of LEAP
1
2
a : a sudden passage or transition <a great leap forward> b : a choice made in an area of ultimate concern <a leap of faith>
— by leaps and bounds
: with extraordinary rapidity <a town growing by leaps and bounds>
See leap defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LEAP
before 12th century
LEAP Defined for Kids
1leap
verb \ˈlēp\
leaped or leapt \ˈlēpt, ˈlept\leap·ing \ˈlē-piŋ\
Definition of LEAP for Kids
1
: to jump or cause to jump from a surface <Fish leaped out of the water.>
2
: to move, act, or pass quickly <He leaped out of bed.>
— leap·er \ˈlē-pər\ noun
2leap
noun
Definition of LEAP for Kids
1
: an act of springing up or over : jump
2
: a place that is jumped over or from <… Lizzie took the leap, stumbled … and fell. — Anna Sewell, Black Beauty>
3
: the distance that is jumped <a five foot leap>
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