Lean Definition

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

"Lean" in song lyrics

See how lean is used in real songs:

  • "Real one on the scene with the gangsta lean"
    2 Live Crew f/ Ice-T — The Real One
  • "keep ya mind right, set ya own dreams with your own lean"
    2Phace f/ Big Moe — P Potion
  • "in that sedan de ville cadilac wit' the gangsta lean"
    Andre Nickatina (Dre Dog) f/ Shaggie — Scottie 15

Usage tips for "lean"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "lean" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for lean to find words that pair well.

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