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

Earlier this week, Bündchen was spotted filming a different project, this time dressed in a pair of brown leggings and a matching sports bra. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 13 Dec. 2025

Best pointelle pajamas Most remember the delicate cotton pointelle designs of childhood underwear and leggings. —Avery Matera, Glamour, 13 Dec. 2025

Shop leggings and joggers, warm long-sleeve shirts, jackets, accessories, and even an extra-warm down vest to pair with every outfit. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025

Thanks to their short shaft, these boots can be worn with any kind of pant without restriction—from bootcut jeans and wide-leg travel pants to leggings and joggers. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 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