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

What stands out for me with any new legging is fit and feel first, performance second. —Talia Abbas, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026

For another higher insulated pair of thermal leggings, consider this Icebreaker option. —Harry Spampinato, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026

Instead, as hybrid work begins to fade, many consumers are choosing to dress back up again and are opting for denim over leggings as the casual staple that works both on the weekends and at the office. —Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026

And since the material itself is buttery-soft and breathable, these panties feel more like luxe leggings than traditional shapewear. —Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 9 Mar. 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