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

With thick buckle straps, multiple functional pockets, a wide-leg fit, and fun leopard print, this one-and-done outfit is the perfect complement to the neutral basics already in your wardrobe. —Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025

But don't miss the red pandas, monkeys, or leopards, either. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025

Amazon’s long-sleeve lineup includes more wallet-friendly picks like a smocked boyfriend-style shirt, a trendy leopard-print blouse, and a classy cowl-neck that feels soft like pajamas; shop them all below. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025

Pippa Lamb, an angel investor and partner at Sweet Capital that normally invests in technology, was eyeing up art in her leopard print Reformation boots and vintage Rafael Nadal T-shirt. —Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 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