leopard

noun

leop·​ard ˈle-pərd 

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

• leopard 1

Examples of leopard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of just focusing on the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo, people want to see other animals including wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, hippos, and over 500 species of birds. —Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

Those get-up change-ups included myriad sequin retro coats (a leopard one at the start of the show), culminating in his red suit from the 1980s. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 11 June 2026

If that’s the case for you, consider hues like neutral taupe, classic black, or striking leopard. —Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 7 June 2026

Choose between 20 colors and patterns, including a fun leopard print. —Claire West, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026

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

Phrases Containing leopard

• a leopard can't change its spots
• clouded leopard
• leopard cat
• leopard frog
• leopard seal
• snow leopard

Rhymes for leopard

• peppered
• shepherd

Kids Definition

leopard

noun

leop·​ard ˈlep-ərd 

: 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