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

Lawrence wore those anklets with The Row’s Lucca moccasins and a school-girl miniskirt with a leopard print Mehry Mu bag and a Tiffany & Co. link station necklace. —British Vogue, Glamour, 18 June 2024

Miu Miu has now entered the chat with its newest ballerina flat in leopard. —Gab Waller, Vogue, 12 June 2024

On this massive expanse of land, thousands of lions and leopards, hundreds of cheetahs and 500 bird species roam. —Catherine Garcia, theweek, 30 Apr. 2024

Just consider the decor: pops of pink, leopard print and zebra pattern set against textural cork walls, with vintage chandeliers as well as a sparkly DJ booth. —Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 June 2024

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

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