leopard

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

leopardess

2 of 2

noun (2)

leop·​ard·​ess ˈle-pər-dəs 

: a female leopard

Examples of leopard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This marine ecosystem is home to an array of sharks and rays, including white-tip reef sharks, black-tip reef sharks, tawny nurse sharks, leopard sharks, and eagle rays. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 July 2026

The mom of one, who just inked a seven-figure book deal, recently turned heads in a similar leopard print bikini during a boat ride on vacation in Mallorca. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 July 2026

Yes, leopard spots, tiger stripes, and zebra prints are neutrals—and a very quick way to add a fashion-forward twist to activewear. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 July 2026

South Africa will always be one of the world's greatest destinations for seeing lions, leopards, rhino, elephants and buffalo. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French lepart, leupart, from Late Latin leopardus, from Greek leopardos, from leōn lion + pardos leopard

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1567, in the meaning defined above

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