legging

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 used in plural

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

—Anne Reeks

b

: tights

—usually used in 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 used in 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 used in 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

Examples of legging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Keep scrolling for even more wrinkle-resistant picks from Amazon’s deals section, including dresses, leggings, and tops from $10. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026

Sneakerinas are the playful cross between sneakers and ballet flats, and their athletic vibe meshes perfectly with the slightly sporty feel of capri leggings. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 12 June 2026

The sale includes the brand’s buttery-soft Align leggings, breezy day-to-night skirts, and other fan-favorite finds that make packing easy. —Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026

Ditch the leggings and fleece sweats for these cozy cotton pants. —Olivia Bria, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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