Definition Definition

lean - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'lean' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Lean [ n.]
- That part of flesh which consist principally of muscle without the fat.
- Unremunerative copy or work.
2 . Lean [ v. i.]
- To incline, deviate, or bend, from a vertical position; to be in a position thus inclining or deviating; as, she leaned out at the window; a leaning column.
- To incline in opinion or desire; to conform in conduct; -- with to, toward, etc.
- To rest or rely, for support, comfort, and the like; -- with on, upon, or against.
- To cause to lean; to incline; to support or rest.
- Wanting flesh; destitute of or deficient in fat; not plump; meager; thin; lank; as, a lean body; a lean cattle.
- Wanting fullness, richness, sufficiency, or productiveness; deficient in quality or contents; slender; scant; barren; bare; mean; -- used literally and figuratively; as, the lean harvest; a lean purse; a lean discourse; lean wages.
- Of a character which prevents the compositor from earning the usual wages; -- opposed to fat; as, lean copy, matter, or type.
3 . Lean [ v. t.]
- To conceal.

Meaning of 'lean' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . lean [ n]
Meaning (1):
- the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical
Example in sentence:
  • he walked with a heavy inclination to the right;
  • the ship developed a list to starboard;
  • the tower had a pronounced tilt
2 . lean [ v]
Meaning (2):
- cause to lean to the side
Example in sentence:
  • Erosion listed the old tree
Meaning (3):
- have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined
Example in sentence:
  • He inclined to corpulence;
  • She tends to be nervous before her lectures;
  • These dresses run small
Meaning (4):
- cause to lean or incline
Example in sentence:
  • He leaned his rifle against the wall
Meaning (5):
- to incline or bend from a vertical position
Example in sentence:
  • She leaned over the banister
Meaning (6):
- rely on for support
Example in sentence:
  • We can lean on this man
7 . lean [ a]
Meaning (7):
- lacking in mineral content or combustible material
Example in sentence:
  • lean fuel;
  • lean ore
Meaning (8):
- lacking excess flesh
Example in sentence:
  • Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look;
  • you can't be too rich or too thin
9 . lean [ s]
Meaning (9):
- containing little excess
Example in sentence:
  • a lean budget;
  • a skimpy allowance
Meaning (10):
- not profitable or prosperous
Example in sentence:
  • a lean year