leopard

noun

leop·​ard ˈle-pərd How to pronounce leopard (audio)
1
a
: a large strong cat (Panthera pardus) of southern Asia and Africa that is adept at climbing and is usually tawny or buff with black spots arranged in rosettes

called also panther

b
: the fur or pelt of a leopard
2
: a heraldic representation of a lion passant guardant

Illustration of leopard

Illustration of leopard
  • leopard 1

Examples of leopard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The golf skort comes in 23 colors, from classic black and white to playful leopard print. Esme Benjamin, People.com, 1 July 2025 Snakeskin is giving leopard print a run for its money — at least in the footwear department. Kelsey Stewart, Refinery29, 25 June 2025 She’s created a few standout pieces, including a corset and minidress (there’s also a bodysuit and swimwear in a frisky leopard print and some faux leather bottoms), which are essentials in her own wardrobe. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 23 June 2025 Stewart stood out in a hot pink jacket over a white outfit, which also featured a hint of his signature leopard print, while his wife wore a pink shirt with a peach design and a matching skirt. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for leopard

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French lepart, leupart, from Late Latin leopardus, from Greek leopardos, from leōn lion + pardos leopard

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of leopard was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leopard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leopard. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

leopard

noun
leop·​ard ˈlep-ərd How to pronounce leopard (audio)
: a large strong cat of southern Asia and Africa that has a brownish buff coat with black spots arranged in broken rings

called also panther

More from Merriam-Webster on leopard

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