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

Then, there are the Lucky Step Platform Sneakers in a fun leopard print. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2025

The star accessorized with long gloves that perfectly matched the leopard print. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Ramsey’s repertoire of leopard songs continues to grow, with the creator adding new versions very almost every political story about Trump regret. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2025

Part of that research included the installment of trail cameras throughout the park, as researchers hoped to catch a glimpse of a lion or leopard, the focus of their study. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 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