Definition

Describing a plant or tree that does not have any leaves.

Example

In winter, many trees become leafless as they shed their leaves.

Conversation

Have you noticed how leafless the trees are getting this winter?

Yeah, it really makes the landscape look different.

I always forget how beautiful leafless trees can be against the sky.

Totally! They have a certain elegance, don't you think?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Leafless → It is formed from "leaf" (from Old English *leaf*, meaning the foliage of a plant) and "-less" (meaning without). The word "leafless" describes a state of being without leaves.

Memory Tip

Think of a plant that is 'without' ('-less') its 'foliage' ('leaf') — that's what leafless means.

Visually Confused Words