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

Choose from 15 different prints, including pastel plaids and mod leopard. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024

Ruffle tea towels and placemats also come in leopard so that no item in your kitchen goes unnoticed. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024

Earle slipped into a pink leopard one-piece swimsuit paired with metallic pink heels and accessorized with matching shades and earrings. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

The curved gold buckle gives it a sleeker, more modern feel, while the leopard pattern balances trendiness with timeless appeal. —Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Glamour, 30 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