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

Layered over leggings, the lightweight cardigan adds warmth and dimension, instantly making a simple base feel more considered. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026

Flowing wool and cashmere pair well with leggings and fashion-meets-performance snow boots for a chic and sporty-enough sideline look. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026

From gym sessions to errand runs and travel days, cropped leggings are the easy, comfortable staple that works across it all. —Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026

The shop grew into the nation’s largest manufacturer of chaps, the leather leggings that protect a rider from brushy terrain. —Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 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