Both "lead" and "leash" are used by Americans, but they have slightly different usages and connotations:
- "Leash"
- This is the more commonly used term in American English when referring to a strap or rope used to control a pet, especially a dog. For example, "I always put my dog on a leash when we go for a walk." It's also used in a more general sense to mean any kind of restraint or control, like "The company kept a tight leash on its spending."
- "Lead"
- While "lead" can also refer to a similar device for controlling an animal, it's less commonly used in this context in modern American English compared to "leash". However, it's still used in some regions or in certain traditional or specialized contexts. For instance, you might hear someone say, "Grab the lead and let's take the dog out." "Lead" can also have other meanings like the metal "lead" (pronounced /led/) or as a verb meaning to guide or direct (pronounced /liːd/).
- In summary, "leash" is the more prevalent term in everyday American speech for the device used to walk a dog, but "lead" is still understood and used in some situations.