legging

noun

leg·​ging ˈle-gən How to pronounce legging (audio)
 also  ˈlā-,
-giŋ
variants or less commonly leggin
ˈle-gən How to pronounce legging (audio)
 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
… "leggings [worn by Plains Indians men] reached from the ankle to the thigh and were held in place by tying thongs, attached to their tops, to the belt. …"Norman Feder, quoted in Dress Clothing of the Plains Indians

Examples of legging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web French Terry Cloth Pants For everyday wear without the tightness of leggings or the bagginess of sweatpants, consider these terry cloth pants. Miles Walls, People.com, 20 Oct. 2024 The woman's package includes a pair of leggings, a leotard, wristbands, a visor, and a fanny pack for $32.89. Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024 The cardigan can be worn over a T-shirt or long-sleeve blouse paired with jeans or leggings. Gabriella Maestri, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2024 This fall, wear the staple with a cozy piece of knitwear and a pair of stirrup leggings, oversized suiting or a classic white t-shirt and denim pairing—the stylistic opportunities are endless. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legging 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'legging.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of legging was in 1718

Dictionary Entries Near legging

Cite this Entry

“Legging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legging. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

legging

noun
leg·​ging
variants or leggin
ˈleg-ən How to pronounce legging (audio)
ˈleg-iŋ
: a covering for the leg

More from Merriam-Webster on legging

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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