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

Sorry, Baby’s Eva Victor plays Nadia, a cellist whom Alex romances while on a job in Dallas, while Olivia Wilde is Carol, Alex’s leopard-print-wearing ex with an axe to grind. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026

Certain terrestrial slugs, such as the leopard slug (Limax maximus), do so while dangling from trees, stabbing one another in the process. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026

Larsson and Sinot have done so many great looks; a quick scroll through Sinot's Instagram reveals everything from rainbow eye shadow dotted with matching rhinestones to leopard print body gems. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 6 July 2026

There are over 20 colors to choose from — including a fun leopard-print option — but what really sets it apart from other wireless bras is the size range. — Tatjana Freund, PEOPLE, 2 July 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