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

Similarly to joggers or leggings, these shorts act as a catch-all for spring and summer travel. —Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2024

On April 16, the 54-year-old singer styled a white top handle bag with leggings and a gray puffer coat while out and about in New York City — but that’s not the only time she’s been spotted with the classic purse style. —Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024

Recently, Kendall Jenner demonstrated how effortlessly chic capri leggings can be with a sporty look elevated with polished ballet flats and a minimalist handbag. —Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024

Johnson is described as 130 pounds with a slim build; has long black, braided hair; wearing a red t-shirt under a black-hooded sweatshirt, and gray leggings and red Jordan-brand shoes. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2024

The pals can manage for a month on very little, relying on the versatility of black leggings and black tops, says LaLonde. —Stacey Lastoe, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2024

On tour, Bey wore a custom Stella McCartney silver dress and leggings. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2024

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

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