leatherneck UK /ˈlɛð.ə.nɛk/US /ˈlɛð.ɚ.nɛk/ noun2 •(US) Specifically, a marine.The Marine Corps has instituted a martial-arts program in which leathernecks are indoctrinated in a new code of honor, the Ethical Marine Warrior. — 2011 •(slang) A soldier. formsleathernecks