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

Deep green wallpaper, forest green upholstery, a leopard print area rug and gold frames and finishes create a luxe, lush formal living room. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2024

Even Ganni’s signature leopard print is featured on an anorak, and each piece is labeled with an eye-grabbing neon green logo. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 25 Oct. 2024

Grab it in the leopard print along with black, emerald, or pink. —Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

Bessette-Kennedy gave Terenzio, who was formerly JFK Jr.'s executive assistant and now the founder of RMT PR Management, a vintage faux leopard coat to wear on a first date in 1996, per Sotheby's. —Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 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