an accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape
"one of the tires developed a leak"
soft watery rot in fruits and vegetables caused by fungi
"The overripe pear developed a soft, watery rot known as leak due to fungal infection."
A crack, crevice, fissure, or hole which admits water or other fluid, or lets it escape.
"The old boat has a leak in its hull that allows rainwater to seep into the cabin."
In plain English: A leak is when liquid escapes from something it shouldn't, like water dripping out of a broken pipe.
"There is an oil leak under my car that needs to be fixed immediately."
Usage: Use the noun "leak" to describe a physical breach in a container allowing liquid or air to escape, such as a hole in a pipe or roof. When referring specifically to secret information becoming public, use this term only if it was disclosed through an unauthorized opening rather than intentional publication.
enter or escape as through a hole or crack or fissure
"Water leaked out of the can into the backpack"
"Gas leaked into the basement"
have an opening that allows light or substances to enter or go out
"The container leaked gasoline"
"the roof leaks badly"
To allow fluid or gas to pass through an opening that should be sealed.
"The old pipe began to leak water onto the floor because its seal had failed."
In plain English: To leak means for liquid to escape from something it shouldn't, like water dripping out of a broken pipe.
"The old pipe began to leak water onto the kitchen floor."
Leaky.
"The old roof was so leaky that rainwater dripped through every time it rained heavily."
A surname.
"The Leaks family has lived in this neighborhood for three generations."
The word "leak" comes from the Old English lecan, which meant to let water in or out. It traveled into modern usage through Middle English, sharing a common root with similar words for dripping found across other Germanic languages like Dutch and Danish.