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

The 28-year-old also shared a relaxed beachside moment from the trip, posting a photo of herself lounging facedown on a beach chair in a leopard-print string bikini with the ocean in the background. —Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 14 Jan. 2026

To make the most of your dress code, find ways to let your personality shine through by opting for something unique and on-trend, like denim, leopard print, or ditsy floral. —Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 13 Jan. 2026

In the round-up, Elsie could be seen wearing a leopard print off-the-shoulder dress, accessorizing with a glittery necklace. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026

Poor Tulsi Gabbard never thought the leopards would eat Nicolás Maduro’s face. —Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 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