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

While the runway look was made complete with suit pants, a dress shirt, and patent Oxfords, Rihanna styled her puffer with another black puffer underneath, black leggings, Bottega Veneta aviators, and black Amina Muaddi pumps. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026

Devops Thermal Long Johns, 2-pack Paired with the matching top, these thermal leggings create the ultimate cold-weather base. —Ariana Dickson, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026

Then of course there’s the workout wear—soft, stretchy leggings and sports bras well suited to yoga or Pilates classes; T-shirts and lightweight jackets to wear on your way to and from the studio; and more. —Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026

Whether worn with jeans or leggings or styled with a coordinating navy sweater à la Longoria, this transitional top is sure to become a standout staple in your wardrobe. —Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 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