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

Kim Kardashian posed in a tiny micro leopard-print lingerie set from Skims. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 1 July 2026

Smith goes on to say her mother inherited the same spirit, and decorated their dining room in hot pink with a leopard-print rug. — Rebecca Suhrawardi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Abdi says leopard plant flowers offer interest later in the year, with its yellow flower stalks rising up in the fall. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 22 June 2026

There are over 20 colors to choose from — including a fun leopard-print option — but what really sets it apart from other wireless bras is the size range. — Tatjana Freund, PEOPLE, 2 July 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