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

Lopez wowed in the long-sleeve low-cut crop top, paired with black leggings that put her toned mid-section on full display. —Sarah Sotoodeh , Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026

The stretchy material it's composed of is softer than your favorite leggings, and looks more put-together than your go-to sweatpants. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026

Peruse budget-friendly Mother’s Day gifts, like cushioned slippers, a cashmere-blend top, and leggings with pockets — or give your home a spring refresh with a new washable rug or cooling pillows. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026

The leggings were cut around the knees with the upper portion on the torso and the lower portions rolled down to both ankles and the feet at the cut site of the right leg attached to the torso, there were small blue plastic pieces. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 22 Apr. 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