Leg Definition Leg Definition 1

Leg (noun) — that part of the body stretching between the hip and foot, a prerequisite to standing, walking, running, and bearing the weight of the body. A leg is made up of the thigh, knee, shin and calf, together acting as part of a whole to enable mobility and balance.

The legs are also transported in figurative language, idioms, song lyrics, and art and are much related to journeys, endurance, or even the desire to progress.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/leɡ/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Leg”?

flag uk Audio (UK):
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Tips for “leg” pronunciation: 

Begin with a clear l sound, roll smoothly into the short e as in “egg,” and finish with a crisp g at the back of the throat.

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Contextual Usage: How to Use “Leg” in a Sentence?

The word “leg” describes a limb vital for motion, but it is likewise common in phrases and in areas such as trips, furnishings, and competitions.

After running the marathon, she stretched her legs before sitting down.
Player kicked the soccer ball with his right leg, sending it soaring into the goal.
The chair wobbled because one leg was shorter than the others.
The puppy touched its leg with its paw, eager to go for a walk in the park.
He broke a leg during the match but still cheered for his teammates.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Leg”?

In order to make it easier to understand the use of “leg” in sentences and expressions, you should define a “leg” and know its synonyms first, so that it will be easier to grasp.

Related nouns: limb thigh shin calf paw appendage

Synonyms (contextual): limb

Common collocations: long leg strong leg leg of a journey leg of a race shake a leg

“Leg” Word Formation and Description in Context

In English, the word “leg” is reflected in different words used to talk of movement, equilibrium, and everyday activities.

With adjectives: strong leg long leg nimble leg flexible leg toned leg

With verbs: stretch a leg lift a leg swing a leg kick with a leg move a leg

With nouns (noun + noun): leg massage leg exercise leg warm-up leg stretch leg motion

Idioms and Phrases with “Leg”

Using idioms and phrases, “leg” sends a message about movement, a process, or a stage of the way or struggle, or effort: concepts too complicated to be grasped by a single word.

  • Leg of a journey — a part or stage of a trip or project.

    They completed the first leg of their hiking trip before stopping at the mountain lodge for the night.

  • Shake a leg — to move quickly or hurry.

      “Shake a leg, or we’ll miss the train!” shouted Maria as she grabbed her bag.

  • On your last leg — extremely tired or near the end of something.

      After running around all morning setting up the festival, he was on his last leg and needed a break.

  • Pull someone’s leg — to joke with someone or tease them.

      I thought he really won the lottery, but he was just pulling my leg.

  • Stretch your legs — to walk around after sitting for a long time.

      After the long bus ride, everyone got off to stretch their legs before continuing the tour.

Fun Quiz: “Leg” in Everyday English

Test your understanding of the “leg” definition and discover how this word appears in everyday situations.

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the right answer:
1
You move, run, jump, or kick using your legs.
2
Legs are used solely for standing and walking, not in phrases or idioms.
3
You can stretch your leg, swing your leg, or refer to a leg of a trip in English.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these messy lists in order:
1
his
pressed
leg
pedal
He
car’s
the
with
2
lifted
leg
high
for
stretching
She
her
3
the
rested
injured
leg
his
He
on
chair
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the answer that fits best:
1
He felt pain in his leg after the long run. What does leg describe?
2
The team is ready for the final leg of the project. What does leg describe?
3
She kicked her leg high during the gymnastics routine. What does leg describe?

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Saying “Leg” Across Languages

Exploring how to spell “leg” and pronounce it offers a glimpse into language traditions around the world.

Language Word for “Leg”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Pierna
Flag French French   Jambe
Flag German German   Bein

All About Legs: Surprising Facts

Supporting, walking, running, and jumping, the word “leg” carries the body forward and shapes how we move through the world.

  • Legs are natural powerhouses.

    The femur, the longest bone in the human body, averages about 19 inches (48 cm) in adults. Combined with more than 20 major muscles in each leg, they provide strength for running, jumping, and climbing.

  • Legs hold the body in motion and provide stamina.

    Normal healthy legs of human beings have a capability of walking 20-30 miles (32-48km) daily. They can sprint up to 27.8 miles per hour (44.7 km/h) which is all owing to powerful leg muscles.

  • Legs are adaptable and flexible.

    Because their hip flexors and hamstrings are flexible, trained athletes can raise their legs into a 180° split. A wide range of motion is made possible by the hip, knee, ankle, and tiny foot joints in each leg.

  • Most hops over one leg in 30 seconds.

    Himanshu Prajapati from India set a remarkable Guinness World Record by hopping on one leg 31 times in just 30 seconds. This feat demonstrates incredible balance, strength, and coordination in a single leg.

Step Forward: Quotes About Legs

Through proverbs and literature, the “leg” word illustrates movement, effort, and the path toward achievement.

“A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned how to walk forward.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt

Explanation: Roosevelt suggests that a conservative can be endowed with all the capability to proceed but instead of making forward steps, they may just remain at the same location instead of adopting new ideas or change. It applies legs metaphorically and refers to the ability to act and progress.

“More belongs to marriage than four legs in a bed.”

— Rainer Maria Rilke

Explanation: The phrase “four legs in a bed” literally refers to the individuals in the partnership, but it also highlights that true marriage is about more than just closeness.

“Moving between the legs of tables and of chairs, rising or falling, grasping at kisses and toys, advancing boldly, sudden to take alarm, retreating to the corner of arm and knee, eager to be reassured, taking pleasure in the fragrant brilliance of the Christmas tree.”

— T. S. Eliot

Explanation: The “legs” of tables and chairs highlight how movement and interaction are guided by both physical space and instinct. The quote uses legs literally to frame action while also conveying a sense of discovery, playfulness, and the small but significant steps of navigating the world.