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
Cite this Entry
“Legging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legging. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.
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