leopard

noun

leop·​ard ˈle-pərd How to pronounce leopard (audio)
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

Illustration of leopard
  • leopard 1

Examples of leopard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Make a statement in these $39 Grapnet Barrel Jeans that come in an on-trend leopard print or opt for something more timeless like the Trendy Queen Oversized Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater, now $35. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025 Mesquite trees for acacias, pronghorns for gazelles, meth heads for leopards. Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 Accessories in touch-me-now fabrics, like soft suede and leopard-print calf hair, top our lists. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025 With thick buckle straps, multiple functional pockets, a wide-leg fit, and fun leopard print, this one-and-done outfit is the perfect complement to the neutral basics already in your wardrobe. Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leopard

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of leopard was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leopard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leopard. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

leopard

noun
leop·​ard ˈlep-ərd How to pronounce leopard (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on leopard

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