Leather is the material made from animal hides, specifically from cows, sheep, and goats. There are several different variations of leather that can be used for various purposes. Some synonyms for the word leathers include hide, pelt, skin, and rawhide. Hide refers to the skin from animals, split and dried into a material that is pliable and durable. Pelts are typically thicker and hairier than traditional leather. Skin refers to the animal hide that has been processed and tanned to become soft and pliable. Rawhide is the skin that has not been tanned and is often used for dog chews or drumheads. The different types of leather all have varying textures and characteristics that make them useful for different applications.