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

As a result, this level was conceived as a multi- functional space anchored by a large, double-sided sofa, which is upholstered in a sassy leopard print. —Pratyush Sarup, Architectural Digest, 14 Dec. 2024

Choose from three colors, including gold, leopard, and silver. —Gabriella Maestri, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2024

The garden that separates the main house from the casita, designed by Double Green Landscapes, melds Japanese and California influences with a variety of maple and ginkgo trees, giant timber bamboo, bower wattle, and leopard plants. —Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2024

Jourdan Dunn showed up in a two-piece leopard print set by Dior with a matching bus boy style cap. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 3 Dec. 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