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

Featuring a striking geometric pattern reminiscent of leopard print at Marshall Field’s, the camel and chocolate vest became the star piece of Bueller’s wardrobe and remains synonymous with the character. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 June 2025

The first word in an organism’s name is its genus, which is a group of related species, such as Panthera for lions, tigers and leopards. —Nicholas Green, The Conversation, 3 June 2025

The Cedar Cove facility has housed a variety of animals over the years, including big cats like tigers, bobcats and leopards, as well as other species such as wolves and foxes. —J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025

In addition to the park’s approximated 135 tigers, wildlife sightings can also include leopards, sloth bears (no relation to sloths), elephants, and over 250 species of birds. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 May 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