Illustration of leopard
- leopard 1
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
Examples of leopard in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Grab soft, stretchy, and lightweight satin pajamas in the iconic pink stripe or cozy flannels in leopard print.
—
Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2023
Wearing a medley of stylish one-piece swimsuits, from glamorous leopard print to vivid lime green and purple ombre, actress Elizabeth Debicki showcases Diana’s new less-is-more approach brilliantly, wearing swimsuits recreated by the same brand.
—Monique Jessen, Peoplemag, 22 Nov. 2023
Choose from a gold, black, or white bag outline structure and an impressive 24 strap design options, including solid stripes, leopard print, and camo (though our favorites are the geometric boho designs).
—Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2023
Punt had it all—fragrant myrrh and frankincense, precious electrum (a mixed alloy of gold and silver) and malachite, and coveted leopard skins, among other exotic luxury goods.
—Miriam Fauzia, Ars Technica, 11 Nov. 2023
Either shade of this darker, subtle leopard print will mix nicely with your black leggings, joggers, or even jeans.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 12 Nov. 2023
The collaborative pieces will also arrive with four different colorways of the Adidas x Wales Bonner Sambas in shades of leopard print, burgundy, black, and cream.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 7 Nov. 2023
The set is available in several colorways, including black, blush pink, ivory, and leopard print.
—Enjanae' Taylor, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2023
Although the pajamas are highlighted for its collection of tie-dye patterns, this set also comes in some festive holiday prints, plus leopard print, celestial print, and some solid colors if that’s more your style.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Nov. 2023
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Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2023
Wearing a medley of stylish one-piece swimsuits, from glamorous leopard print to vivid lime green and purple ombre, actress Elizabeth Debicki showcases Diana’s new less-is-more approach brilliantly, wearing swimsuits recreated by the same brand.
—Monique Jessen, Peoplemag, 22 Nov. 2023
Choose from a gold, black, or white bag outline structure and an impressive 24 strap design options, including solid stripes, leopard print, and camo (though our favorites are the geometric boho designs).
—Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2023
Punt had it all—fragrant myrrh and frankincense, precious electrum (a mixed alloy of gold and silver) and malachite, and coveted leopard skins, among other exotic luxury goods.
—Miriam Fauzia, Ars Technica, 11 Nov. 2023
Either shade of this darker, subtle leopard print will mix nicely with your black leggings, joggers, or even jeans.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 12 Nov. 2023
The collaborative pieces will also arrive with four different colorways of the Adidas x Wales Bonner Sambas in shades of leopard print, burgundy, black, and cream.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 7 Nov. 2023
The set is available in several colorways, including black, blush pink, ivory, and leopard print.
—Enjanae' Taylor, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2023
Although the pajamas are highlighted for its collection of tie-dye patterns, this set also comes in some festive holiday prints, plus leopard print, celestial print, and some solid colors if that’s more your style.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'leopard.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of leopard was
in the 13th century
Phrases Containing leopard
Articles Related to leopard
Dictionary Entries Near leopard
Cite this Entry
“Leopard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leopard. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on 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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