leotard

noun

le·​o·​tard ˈlē-ə-ˌtärd How to pronounce leotard (audio)
: a close-fitting one-piece garment worn especially by dancers, acrobats, and aerialists
also : tights
often used in plural
leotarded adjective

Examples of leotard in a Sentence

Our aerobics instructor wore a bright red leotard.
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.
Dust them off and tap into one of the major streetwear trends of 2025 by teaming them with a leotard. Clare Holden, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2025 Say ballet costumes, and most people probably think of tutus and leotards. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025 The photo–which is from 1987, according to the cookbook author–shows Bertinelli, 65, in a blue velvet and glitzy leotard, long white gloves, sheer tights and an elaborate headpiece with more sparkles and feathers. Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 The original costume consisted of a mask, a black leotard, shorts and gloves. Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leotard

Word History

Etymology

Jules Léotard, †1870 French aerial gymnast

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leotard was in 1886

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leotard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leotard. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

leotard

noun
le·​o·​tard ˈlē-ə-ˌtärd How to pronounce leotard (audio)
: a tight one-piece garment worn especially by dancers, gymnasts, and acrobats

More from Merriam-Webster on leotard

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