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

… "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

Since 1978, Hue has used color as its calling card to bring women a range of fun hosiery, socks, leggings, sleepwear, shapewear, and more. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025

From stylish sports bras to black leggings with a twist, this collaboration is inspired by the strength of female athletes and dedicated to women’s movement in all its many forms. —Monique Wilson, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2025

Jenner dressed casually in a gray hoodie and black leggings, while Aire wore a pair of pajamas and rocked some bed hair. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

Every legging, jacket, and dress in Kardashian’s latest collection is designed to move with you—and paired with her genius packing hacks, even the busiest travel day can feel effortless and flattering. —Annita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 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