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

Unlike solitary hunters such as leopards or tigers, wolves pursue prey that often outweighs them considerably, which means a lone wolf is, in practical terms, an ineffective one. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Ballet pink stiletto nails narrow to an airbrushed nude point, with leopard spots and silver chrome stars. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 June 2026

Hargitay’s outfit is all about embracing statement pants, and that can mean everything from leopard spots to playful polka dots. — Mia McManus, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

Abdi says leopard plant flowers offer interest later in the year, with its yellow flower stalks rising up in the fall. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 22 June 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