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

The leopard-print kicks feature an exaggerated tongue that adds a stylish flair to the already eye-catching shoes. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2026

Plus, with spring on the way, so many faux-leopard layers are more affordable than ever. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2026

Trees and bucks cover eco-friendly cork wallpaper that ties to an antelope statue to signal the travels of Edgar Perry while Lutie’s (his wife) room is its opposite with light salmon shades contrasting wild leopard carpet and soft velvets. —Mandy Ellis, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026

Pair them with your favorite jeans or skirt in six color options, like neutral almond and a sassy leopard print. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 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