leopard

noun

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

Examples of leopard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another look worn by the YouTuber includes a unique jersey polo mini dress priced at $139 paired with the Good Ease leopard jeans, which retail for $188. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Studs, leopard print, and DIY ornamentation sit alongside soft pastels, swirling graphic patterns, and a Nouveau color palette inspired by the Parisian Metropolitain signs. —Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Temperate weather brought out a range of cross-seasonal fashion trends, from tweed ensembles to colorful floral frocks, with a smattering of geometric prints and the occasional leopard print. —Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025

While gorilla trekking and leopard safaris are definitely on the bucket list, several others have risen to prominence. —Gaby Keiderling, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

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