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

Just consider the decor: pops of pink, leopard print and zebra pattern set against textural cork walls, with vintage chandeliers as well as a sparkly DJ booth. —Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 June 2024

Meanwhile, big cats, like leopards, tigers, and lions, have a compound in their urine called 2-AP, which smells like buttered popcorn. —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 5 June 2024

The actress, 33, left no crumbs in her leopard print coat, tank top, shades and chic handbag priced at nearly $5000 while attending the Dior Cruise 2025 show in Scotland on Monday, June 3. —Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024

The mother leopard leaps toward the camera and walks past on the right-hand side, the video shows. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 29 May 2024

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

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