Word

leak

noun C1

/liːk/

Meanings

noun

An unintended escape of liquid or gas from a container, pipe, or system.

verb

To let liquid or gas escape through a hole or crack.

noun

The unauthorized release of secret or private information to the public.

Definition

A leak is an unwanted escape of liquid, gas, or information from a closed or intended system.

A leak happens when something that should be contained—like water, air, or fuel—escapes through a hole, crack, or weak point. The word can also refer to secret information that becomes public without permission. It can be used as both a noun (a leak) and a verb (to leak).

Examples

I reported the leak as soon as I noticed water pooling under the sink.
You can usually hear a leak if you listen closely near the radiator valve.
He denied starting the leak, but the draft appeared online within hours.
She traced the leak to a cracked seal and replaced it before the damage spread.
They worried that the leak would undermine trust inside the team.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse the verb forms and say “it was leak” instead of “it was leaking” or “it leaked.”