# leathery

/ˈɫɛðɝi/ (US) · /lˈɛðəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/leathery
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

tough and dry like leather, hard to bend or chew. You use it for skin, meat, or leaves that feel stiff and rough.

For teachers: having the texture or appearance of leather; tough, stiff, and often wrinkled or weathered. Commonly describes skin, overcooked meat, or dried plant material.

## Examples

- The old boots feel leathery and stiff.
- The steak is overcooked and leathery, so the kids leave most of it on their plates.
- Years of sun and wind had left his hands leathery, the skin creased like the cover of a well-used book.

## Synonyms

tough, stiff, rough

## Antonyms

soft, tender

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.