Lean describes something thin or without much fat. A lean runner has a slim, muscular build without extra weight. Lean meat, like chicken breast or certain cuts of beef, has very little fat marbling through it.

When you lean toward something, you tilt or bend your body in that direction. You might lean forward to hear a whisper, lean against a wall while waiting, or lean back in your chair when you're relaxed. You can also lean a ladder against a house or lean your bike against a fence.

The word also describes depending on someone for support. When you lean on a friend during a difficult time, you rely on their help and encouragement. A team might lean heavily on its star player, meaning they depend on that person's skills to succeed.

In another sense, lean means to tend toward or favor something. If you're deciding between two books and you're leaning toward the mystery novel, you're starting to prefer that choice without having fully decided yet.

Finally, lean can describe difficult times when resources are scarce. During lean years, a farming family might have smaller harvests and less money. A lean winter means one with little food available. These lean times test people's resourcefulness and determination.