Definition of leg

Short definition: The word leg means the part of your body that helps you stand move and walk, and people also use it in many expressions to talk about travel support or even parts of furniture and tables.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word leg? The word leg is used in many different ways in everyday English. Most people first think of the part of the body that helps us stand, walk, and run, but the word also appears in sports, travel, furniture, and even business talk. Because of this, leg is a simple word with many useful meanings. Below, each meaning is explained in a natural and human way, so it feels easy to understand in real life.

leg n. /leɡ/

Forms: leg, legs
Related: leggy adj., legwork n.
Syllable: leg

  1. The part of the body used for standing and walking.

    A leg is one of the two long parts of the body that support a person when standing, walking, or running. It goes from the hip down to the foot and plays a big role in balance and movement. Strong legs help people stay active and healthy.

    She hurt her leg while playing soccer.
    He stood on one leg to tie his shoe.
    Walking every day keeps your legs strong.

    Synonyms: limb, lower limb, lower body part, walking limb, support limb, movement limb, body support part, human leg, physical limb, standing limb, mobility part, body extension
    Antonyms: arm, upper limb, hand, head, torso, body core, upper body part, shoulder, chest, back, neck, trunk

  2. A part of furniture or an object that supports it.

    A leg can also mean the long support part of an object. Tables, chairs, desks, and beds all stand on legs. Without legs, these objects would not stay upright.

    One leg of the table is broken.
    The chair has four strong legs.
    He fixed the loose leg on the desk.

    Synonyms: support post, stand, base support, pillar part, table support, furniture support, structural leg, holding piece, support arm, standing piece, support rod, base piece
    Antonyms: top surface, tabletop, seat, cushion, backrest, cover, lid, upper part, surface panel, flat top, head section, upper frame

  3. One part of a journey or competition.

    In travel and sports, a leg means one section of a longer trip or event. For example, a flight from one city to another can be one leg of a journey. In races, each stage can also be called a leg.

    The first leg of the trip was very long.
    They won the first leg of the match.
    The race has three legs.

    Synonyms: stage, part, section, segment, round, phase, step, stretch, portion, travel section, match part, event stage
    Antonyms: whole journey, full trip, complete race, entire event, total match, final result, full course, entire path, whole competition, overall trip, complete series, full process

  4. A person’s strength or advantage in something.

    In a figurative way, a leg can mean an advantage or strong point. People say someone has “a leg up” when they have a better chance to succeed. This meaning is common in business and sports talk.

    His experience gave him a leg up in the competition.
    The team had a strong first leg advantage.
    She gained a leg up by practicing early.

    Synonyms: advantage, edge, benefit, head start, upper hand, strong position, winning point, positive lead, extra strength, helpful boost, better chance, competitive edge
    Antonyms: disadvantage, weakness, setback, loss, shortcoming, bad position, poor start, low chance, negative lead, lack of edge, weak position, handicap

  5. A word used in informal expressions.

    The word leg appears in many everyday expressions. Phrases like “pull someone’s leg” mean joking with someone, while “on your last legs” means being very tired. These uses make the word fun and colorful in language.

    He was just pulling your leg.
    After work, she was on her last legs.
    Don’t worry, they’re just pulling your leg.

    Synonyms: joke word, idiom part, expression term, slang usage, casual phrase piece, playful word, figurative use, everyday saying part, language color word, expression element, informal speech part, idiomatic term
    Antonyms: literal meaning, formal usage, technical term, strict definition, academic use, serious wording, precise term, official language, exact meaning, formal expression, textbook usage, direct speech

An Explanation of the Word "leg" in an Image

A human leg shown from thigh to foot in a simple clear illustration on a white background
A clear illustration of a human leg showing the main shape from the upper leg down to the foot

Conversation Using the Word Leg

The following conversation takes place at a park between friends after a long walk. It shows how the word leg is used in everyday English to talk about tiredness, movement, and simple physical feelings.

Daniel: My legs feel so heavy after that walk.

Olivia: Same here. I think my legs need a rest.

Daniel: Let’s sit for a minute and stretch our legs.

Emma: Good idea. I almost tripped because my legs are tired.

Olivia: At least we got some exercise today.

Daniel: True. Strong legs make long walks easier.

Emma: I really need to train my legs more often.

Olivia: Next time we walk, it will feel better.

Daniel: Yeah, practice makes stronger legs.

Emma: For now, I just want to rest my legs.

Olivia: Same here. Let’s enjoy the break.

Phrases Containing the Word Leg

The phrases below show how the word leg is often used to talk about the body, movement, support, and everyday situations in simple English.

Break a leg

A phrase used to wish someone good luck.

Everyone told her to break a leg before the show.

On your last leg

Feeling very tired.

After the long trip, I was on my last leg.

Stand on your own two legs

To be independent.

He learned to stand on his own two legs.

Pull someone’s leg

To joke or tease.

I was just pulling your leg.

Leg room

Space for your legs.

This seat has great leg room.

Shake a leg

To hurry up.

Shake a leg or we will be late.

Stretch your legs

To walk after sitting.

Let’s stop and stretch our legs.

Have legs

To stay popular.

This song really has legs.

Leg up

An advantage.

Experience gives you a leg up.

Trip over your own legs

To stumble.

I tripped over my own legs.

Lose your legs

To feel weak.

After running, I felt like I lost my legs.

Strong legs

Good physical strength.

Cycling builds strong legs.

Weak in the legs

Feeling unstable.

I felt weak in the legs after standing too long.

Leg day

A workout day for legs.

Today is leg day at the gym.

Leg pain

Pain in the legs.

I have leg pain after the hike.

Long legs

Tall or lengthy legs.

She has long legs for running.

Cross your legs

To sit with legs crossed.

She crossed her legs while waiting.

Stand on one leg

To balance.

Try to stand on one leg.

Leg support

Help for the legs.

The brace gives leg support.

Rest your legs

To relax your legs.

Let’s sit and rest our legs.

Words Rhyme with leg

beg
egg
peg
keg
meg
reggie
bootleg
clothespin
peg
blackleg
bowleg
dreg
segue
vague
plague
league
fatigue
intrigue
colleague
big
dig
fig
pig
wig
gig
rig
twig
zig
zag
bag
tag
POS: Noun  Category: Body Parts