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

Other content in her round-up included a video of a lavish fireworks display, Alba lounging on the beach in a leopard print bikini and a fruit display with a custom coconut at One&Only Palmilla Los Cabos resort in Mexico. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026

One can also be lucky enough to spot white tigers and leopards. —Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026

If that’s the case for you, consider hues like neutral taupe, classic black, or striking leopard. —Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026

The model added character to the neutral outfit by way of a slouchy leopard print bag. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 3 Jan. 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