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leopard

noun leop·ard \ ˈle-pərd \

Definition of leopard

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

See leopard defined for English-language learners

See leopard defined for kids

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Recent Examples of leopard from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'leopard.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of leopard

Origin and Etymology of leopard

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

Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, gibbon, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole

Phrases Related to LEOPARD

Related Phrases

LEOPARD Defined for English Language Learners

leopard

noun

Definition of leopard for English Language Learners

  • : a large brownish-yellow cat with black spots that lives in Asia and Africa

LEOPARD Defined for Kids

leopard

noun leop·ard \ ˈle-pərd \

Definition of leopard for Students

:a large animal of the cat family found in Asia and Africa that has a brownish buff coat with black spots and is an excellent climber

Learn More about leopard

  1. See words that rhyme with leopard Spanish Central: Translation of leopard Nglish: Translation of leopard for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of leopard for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leopard

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