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

Rather than dressing up as a Disney character, incorporate polka dots, fun prints like leopard, and red-and-black motifs throughout your vacation wardrobe. —Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 Mar. 2026

Expect to see monkeys (both howler and white-faced), koatis, and perhaps even a leopard. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026

He was photographed on Tuesday arriving and departing the Southwark court in a leopard print shirt with several buttons undone and a fedora hat. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026

Chloe Malle, head of editorial content Street style’s gone wild for leopard this season. —Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 24 Feb. 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