leopard

noun

leop·​ard ˈle-pərd 

1

a

: a large strong cat (Panthera pardus) of southern Asia and Africa that is adept at climbing and is usually tawny or buff with black spots arranged in rosettes

called also panther

b

: the fur or pelt of a leopard

2

: a heraldic representation of a lion passant guardant

Illustration of leopard

• leopard 1

Examples of leopard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From cozy shearling to leopard print, Scandi labels, and a sprinkling of The Row, Lawrence sees herself through the seasons and elements in a various but curated selection of outerwear. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025

While the Maasai Mara is often the first name that comes to mind when thinking of a Kenyan safari, Laikipia offers a different and arguably more exclusive experience with not only the Big Five but also rare fauna like the black (melanistic) leopard. —Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Images showed a leopard, a pack of wild dogs, herds of sambar deer, gaur (a large bovine), muntjacs (a small deer species) and wild boars, officials said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025

Bündchen, 44, wore a leopard print swim suit with a black wrap, accessorizing with some sunglasses. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French lepart, leupart, from Late Latin leopardus, from Greek leopardos, from leōn lion + pardos leopard

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing leopard

• a leopard can't change its spots
• clouded leopard
• leopard cat
• leopard frog
• leopard seal
• snow leopard

Rhymes for leopard

• peppered
• shepherd

Kids Definition

leopard

noun

leop·​ard ˈlep-ərd 

: a large strong cat of southern Asia and Africa that has a brownish buff coat with black spots arranged in broken rings

called also panther