leopard

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

leopardess

2 of 2

noun (2)

leop·​ard·​ess ˈle-pər-dəs 

: a female leopard

Examples of leopard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Yvonne Force Villareal, the cofounder of Art Production Fund, wore a leopard-print bodysuit and headband; the curator Samantha Ozer laced up burgundy pants, while the artist Julie Mehretu stuck to classic black leather. — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Among the diverse habitats are a salt marsh that serves as a nursery for leopard sharks and bat rays as well as kelp forests frequented by harbor seals and wrasses. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

The bestseller comes in dozens of colors and patterns, including everything from sleek black to eye-catching leopard print. — Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 16 Oct. 2026

Alongside the Maxeine, the campaign also features the Nitro red croc knee-high, Jezzica zebra platform, Hexx spotted leopard pump and Icon faux-fur boot. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French lepart, leupart, from Late Latin leopardus, from Greek leopardos, from leōn lion + pardos leopard

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1567, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing leopard

• a leopard can't change its spots
• clouded leopard
• leopard cat
• leopard frog
• leopard seal
• snow leopard

Rhymes for leopard

• peppered
• shepherd

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