# lee

/ˈɫi/ (US) · /lˈiː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lee
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. shelter from wind

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a place or side that is protected from the wind by something like a wall, a hill, or a ship.

For teachers: the side of an object or a location that is sheltered from the prevailing wind.

- We stood in the lee of the old stone wall to escape the cold breeze.
- The hikers sought the lee of the ridge, hoping the massive granite outcropping would provide enough shelter to pitch their tents safely.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'in the lee of'.

### 2. nautical side

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the side of a ship that is away from the wind.

For teachers: the side of a vessel that is sheltered from the wind; the opposite of the windward side.

- The sailors moved to the lee of the boat as the waves crashed against the other side.
- The captain ordered the crew to lower the small boat on the lee side to ensure a calmer launch away from the gale.

Teaching tip: While primarily nautical, this sense is essential for understanding maritime literature and technical sailing manuals.

### 3. facing away from wind

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describes something that faces away from the wind or water flow.

For teachers: pertaining to the side or direction sheltered from the wind or the flow of a fluid.

- The lee side of the island has much calmer water than the side facing the ocean.
- Geologists noted that the lee slopes of the dunes were significantly steeper than the windward faces due to the way sand was deposited.

## Examples

- We stood in the lee of the wall to escape the wind.
- The sailors steered the boat into the lee of the island to wait for the storm to pass.
- The expedition team established their base camp in the lee of a massive granite ridge, ensuring the tents remained shielded from the relentless arctic gales.

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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.