Meaning of leap in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /lip/

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  1. Verb

    leap

    Etymology

    Old English hlēapan (verb), hlȳp (noun), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch lopen, German laufen (verb), and Dutch loop, German Lauf (noun), all meaning ‘run’, also to lope

    Definitions

    1. move forward by leaps and bounds

    Examples

    • « The horse bounded across the meadow »
    • « The child leapt across the puddle »
    • « Can you jump over the fence? »
  2. 2. pass abruptly from one state or topic to another

    Examples

    • « leap into fame »
    • « jump to a conclusion »
  3. 3. cause to jump or leap

    Examples

    • « the trainer jumped the tiger through the hoop »

  4. Noun

    leap

    Definitions

    1. a light springing movement upwards or forwards
  5. 2. an abrupt transition

    Examples

    • « a successful leap from college to the major leagues »
  6. 3. a sudden and decisive increase

    Examples

    • « a jump in attendance »
  7. 4. the distance leaped (or to be leaped)

    Examples

    • « a leap of 10 feet »