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

Armed with a whip and possibly a dagger, she is also depicted chasing the leopard. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 Apr. 2026

At Studio 54, Hsu pointed out the worn leopard-print carpeting, which was decades old. —Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

The shoe was a hit, praised equally for its design as its comfort, and is currently available in 19 different colorways and materials, including pink or leopard ponyhair, white leather, and tan suede. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2026

In particular, the leopard-print iteration—spotted recently on the arm of Harry Styles—has quickly become one of the collection’s most coveted pieces, with demand surging across fashion capitals. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 25 Mar. 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