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

Costumes of cartoon characters and puffy pigs, leopard outfits, Halloween masks and fuzzy hats. —Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025

The boots are covered in a plush, vegan leopard-print fur, decked out with Jibbitz charms, chains, and embellishments. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Oct. 2025

Those who’d rather invest in a unique silhouette can find fashion-forward picks, like Altuzarra’s asmmetric and draped maxi, Soft Goat’s bright red mini, and Brandon Maxwells leopard-print floor-sweeping style. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025

Universal Thread Betsy Clog Mule Flats A clog mule has become wardrobe essential for fall, and Target’s version is currently in stock in a light brown leopard print and a neutral taupe shade. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025

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