WordGarden.ioleaver
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈiːvə/
US
- /ˈlivər/
Meanings
Noun
a person leaving a job, company, or other formal role
a person finishing or leaving school or college
a person who leaves a place, group, or situation
Beyond the definition
A "leaver" is someone who leaves a place, group, school, or job. Very often, the word is used in a neutral, practical way. A "school leaver" is a young person who has finished school, and a "company leaver" is an employee who is leaving or has just left a company. In a more personal or story-like setting, it can also describe someone who walks away from a relationship, a team, or a commitment. The word usually points to a real departure, not a short absence.
The word "leaver" describes someone who departs from a place, group, school, job, or commitment, and its meaning depends a lot on the setting. In formal and especially British English, it is a common, neutral noun. A "school leaver" is a young person who has finished school, while HR departments may talk about "leavers" when referring to employees who are leaving or have left the company. In these cases, the word is practical and descriptive, with no strong emotional force.
However, in literature and everyday storytelling, "leaver" can take on a more pointed, sometimes negative tone. Unlike a "traveler" or "visitor," a "leaver" is defined by what they are leaving behind. This can suggest a deliberate break, such as someone leaving a partner, a family, or a group. In these cases, the focus is usually not on where the person is going, but on the fact that they have gone and what that means for the people who remain.
The term can also suggest a lack of closure. A person who goes away without much explanation may feel more like a "leaver" than someone who says a clear goodbye. Still, that emotional sense is only part of the picture. In many real-world uses, the word is plain and official. When you encounter "leaver," the context tells you which meaning is intended: a student finishing school, an employee leaving an organization, or a person stepping away from an important bond.
Examples
- 1
HR records
The HR team checks the list of new starters and leavers every Friday.
- 2
School transition
School-leavers can apply for the training program without a university degree.
- Phraseschool-leaver
a young person who has just left school
- 3
Care system
The charity gives advice to care leavers who are looking for their first flat.
- Phrasecare leaver
a young person who has left the care system
- 4
Social habits
He was always an early leaver at parties, but he never left without saying goodbye.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Brexit debate
During the Brexit debate, Leavers and Remainers often argued about the economy.
- DomainLeaver
someone who supported the UK leaving the European Union
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- leavernoun