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

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

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