Meaning of the word lean in English

What does lean mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

lean

US /liːn/

UK /liːn/

be in or move into a sloping position

Example:

•

He had to lean forward to hear what she was saying.

•

Don't lean against the wet paint.

Synonym:

tilt incline slope slant list

rely on or derive support from

Example:

•

She had to lean on her friends for emotional support.

•

The company will lean heavily on its new product line.

Synonym:

rely depend count bank trust

thin, especially healthily so; having little flesh or fat

Example:

•

He has a lean and athletic build.

•

The meat was very lean, with almost no fat.

Synonym:

thin slender trim skinny meager scant sparse bare

(of a period of time) difficult because of a lack of money or resources

Example:

•

They faced a few lean years during the recession.

•

It was a lean harvest this year due to the drought.

Synonym:

difficult hard tough meager scant sparse

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