legging

1 of 2

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 plural

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

—Anne Reeks

b

: tights

—usually 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 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 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

legging

2 of 2

present participle of leg entry 2

Examples of legging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Long drives, gym sessions, and days spent on the couch are all made comfier with these best-selling leggings. — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Dressed in leopard-print leggings, silver boots and a thin silk scarf, Royal says her ‘70s glam rock look was inspired by her husband. — Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

The lightweight jacket combines functionality and fashion with its stylish design, which pairs well with everything from leggings to jeans and ballet flats. — Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2026

Recently, however, the brand has also become a favorite of mine for life outside of the gym thanks to its product selection that now extends far beyond leggings and sports bras. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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