legging

1 of 2

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 plural

Lycra-cotton leggings and tunic tops are the pregnant woman's best friend, sartorially speaking.

—Anne Reeks

b

: tights

—usually 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 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 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

legging

2 of 2

present participle of leg entry 2

Examples of legging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Wear it with leggings for a travel outfit that feels a little more elevated than wearing a sweatsuit. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Capri leggings are having a moment right now, but any 7/8 or full-length pair will do. — Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026

And thanks to its boxy fit, the shirt adds balance to outfits with flare jeans or leggings. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026

From an oversized leather jacket to a semi-sheer, off-the-shoulder top and mini tote, Bieber knows how to dress up a pair of leggings—or hot pants. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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