legging

noun

leg·​ging ˈle-gən 

 also  ˈlā-,

-giŋ

variants or less commonly leggin

ˈle-gən 

 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

Don’t miss grabbing these Lululemon leggings, shorts, skirts, and more for as little as $29 now. —Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024

With a high-rise waistband and sweat-wicking properties, these leggings offer support and breathability for all-day wear. —Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024

Amazon has buttery soft leggings that will keep you comfortable in any stance. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 28 Mar. 2024

Look out for deals on black leggings, shapewear, and spring jackets like this Levi’s denim option. —Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2024

The video, published by British tabloid The Sun, shows a man in a baseball cap and jacket, accompanied by a woman with brown hair wearing a hooded sweater and sports leggings. —Alexander Smith, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2024

Aside from being one of Winfrey’s athleisure picks, stars including Kristen Bell and Jennifer Garner as well as PEOPLE editors enjoy the leggings. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2024

The set includes the sports bra and leggings and is available in various colors. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 28 Mar. 2024

Some leggings are simply too thin to wear to barre (biker shorts are a big no-no) and cannot handle the resistance and friction of exercise bands. —Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Kids Definition

legging

noun

leg·​ging

variants or leggin

ˈleg-ən 

ˈleg-iŋ

: a covering for the leg