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

While leopard print has long been everywhere, and cow and deer print are experiencing somewhat of a revival, tiger stripes feel much more maligned. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026

According to trend analyst @databutmakeitfashion, standard leopard print is already on the rise. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026

Reports indicated that a skier spotted the leopard while making her way back to the hotel. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Their thick white-gray coat blends into its surroundings as these leopards live on high and rocky mountains, the Snow Leopard Trust said. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 27 Jan. 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