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

Suspended by leather thongs on either side of the same belt were leggings worn [by Plains men] as protection against cold temperatures or intense sun.

—John Koster

Examples of legging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Khaite and Dior turn tailored trousers into schoolboy bermudas while Maria McManus and Isabel Marant make pedal-pushing leggings look cooler than ever. — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 10 July 2026

My answer has long been Alo’s selection of leggings, sweatshirts, and matching sets, but my summer wardrobe needed some lightweight, breathable pieces that are equally versatile. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026

The simple style, complete with a crew neckline, short sleeves, and relaxed fit, on the other hand, offers casual comfort that works well with leggings, shorts, or jeans. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 10 July 2026

That means leggings, sports bras, workout tops, and athletic shorts may lose their supportive fit much sooner if repeatedly washed in hot water. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Rhymes for legging

• begging
• pegging
• bootlegging

Kids Definition

legging

noun

leg·​ging

variants or leggin

ˈleg-ən 

ˈleg-iŋ

: a covering for the leg