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

Mindy is wearing head-to-toe gray leopard print, which is a whole other thing. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025

Here, Almina Concept’s cashmere bandana scarf is the perfect counterpoint to Simkhai’s leopard-print coat, Dôen’s lace-trim slip skirt, and Loulou de Saison’s soft gray crewneck. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025

Instead of looking sloppy, however, Lawrence looked effortlessly elegant, thanks to a luxurious cream coat and leopard-print shoulder bag. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 Dec. 2025

The expression on the leopard’s face is the cherry on top. —Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 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