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

The Lunar Sheen Utility Mid-rise Pants are now marked down to just $20, offering an elevated alternative to leggings that still feels easy to move in. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025

These would pair perfectly with everything from leggings to jeans and will never go out of style. —Jennifer Chan, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025

Fill out the rest of your cold-weather capsule with a trendy zip sweater and the leggings that’ll convince you to stick to those New Year’s resolutions. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 26 Dec. 2025

Made from a blend of recycled nylon and spandex, the leggings also include an adjustable interior infinity drawcord and a drop-in waistband pocket for storing personal items. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2025

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