legging

noun

leg·​ging ˈle-gən How to pronounce legging (audio)
 also  ˈlā-,
-giŋ
variants or less commonly leggin
ˈle-gən How to pronounce legging (audio)
 also  ˈlā-
plural leggings also leggins
1
a
: pants that are made of a material that stretches to fit tightly around the legs
usually used in plural
Lycra-cotton leggings and tunic tops are the pregnant woman's best friend, sartorially speaking.Anne Reeks
b
: tights
usually used in plural
Something about the name "footed leggings" just makes these sound way warmer than your basic tights.Melanie Richtman
2
a
: a covering (as of leather or cloth) for the legs worn over pants for protection
usually used in plural
Welding leggings protect the lower leg (from the knee down) from sparks and spatter. Leather is naturally abrasion and flame resistant for use in applications with heavy sparks and spatter.Grainger.com
b
: a pair of separate coverings (as of leather or cloth) for the legs
usually used in plural
… "leggings [worn by Plains Indians men] reached from the ankle to the thigh and were held in place by tying thongs, attached to their tops, to the belt. …"Norman Feder, quoted in Dress Clothing of the Plains Indians

Examples of legging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The moms put on matching leggings, get in formation, and shake their little asses to something that resembles a beat. Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 18 May 2025 Whether paired with leggings and a tank top for a day of sightseeing or dressed up with a breezy sundress, there’s no shortage of ways to style these sneakers for summer. Averi Baudler, People.com, 18 May 2025 The Force Nano sneakers have a sleek, simple design that can be worn with jeans, leggings, or shorts. Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025 Compression clothing, particularly tights or leggings that cover the abdomen, are helpful in boosting blood circulation too, Kavi said. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for legging

Word History

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of legging was in 1718

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Cite this Entry

“Legging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legging. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

legging

noun
leg·​ging
variants or leggin
ˈleg-ən How to pronounce legging (audio)
ˈleg-iŋ
: a covering for the leg

More from Merriam-Webster on legging

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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