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

Universal Thread Betsy Clog Mule Flats A clog mule has become wardrobe essential for fall, and Target’s version is currently in stock in a light brown leopard print and a neutral taupe shade. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025

Officials identified the trail camera footage from the Dhofar mountains as the first time Arabian leopards had been seen preying on rock hyrax on video. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025

Add a touch of boldness to any outfit with a leopard print belt or silk scarf tied around your neck or purse, or go all-out with a leopard print dress. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025

That's what makes the minerals Perseverance spotted — particularly greigite in the leopard spots — so compelling. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 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