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

The two leopards chased each other through the leaves and even nibbled on a few. —Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 2025

For example, there’s a merino sweater with metallic cuffs, retailing for $950, a stretch sequin pencil skirt for $2,200, a leopard stretch velvet dress for $1,150, a doubleface satin gown with feathers for $2,250 and a wool coat with marabou trim for $3,250, among others. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025

Snake print is slowly making its way back, giving leopard and zebra a rest. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025

Mimic the actress’ look in its entirety by throwing on a pair of oval sunglasses and fluffy leopard-print purse. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 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