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

Mix it in your everyday ensembles with Loro Piana’s leopard-print hat, Khaite’s Cate bag, or Aeyde’s Uma ballet flats. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025

Colors include soft neutrals and deep ocean blues as well as the brand’s signature prints, including leopard, vintage florals and zigzags. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2025

Deep green wallpaper, forest green upholstery, a leopard print area rug and gold frames and finishes create a luxe, lush formal living room. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025

The park is an excellent place to see the Big Five, especially leopards and rhinos. —Elizabeth Gordon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 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