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

As for her jewelry, Lopez paired the leopard ensemble with a pair of Sydney Evans’ Gold and Diamond Extra Large Huggie Hoops and Tacori’s Domed Emerald Diamond Ring. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

When his grandfather was mauled by a leopard caught in a trap set for an impala, however, Mgesi began to feel that the dangers of hunting wildlife outweighed its benefits for humans. — Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Stylists say cheetah- and leopard-print pieces are an easy way to add personality without overthinking it. — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

The great Wiest, clad in leopard print and lipstick, slurs and spits her lines. — Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 16 Sep. 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