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

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

The space is full of playful contrasts—checkered wallpaper from Schumacher, a leopard-print carpet, and a whimsical Avalon rattan daybed by Serena & Lily. —Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 21 Mar. 2026

Waterbirds eat crab, shrimp and crayfish found in the muddy waters, while batrays and leopard sharks glide effortlessly through grass beds off the coast. —Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026

The friends and lovers go to the top floor of the big mall for karaoke at the lounge with the leopard-print walls and mirrors and disco balls. —Literary Hub, 16 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