leotard

noun

le·​o·​tard ˈlē-ə-ˌtärd 

: a close-fitting one-piece garment worn especially by dancers, acrobats, and aerialists

also : tights

—often used in plural

leotarded

ˈlē-ə-ˌtär-dəd 

adjective

Examples of leotard in a Sentence

Our aerobics instructor wore a bright red leotard.

Recent Examples on the Web

This versatile leotard is designed to be worn either on its own as a top or under garments such as dresses and T-shirts. —Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 9 Mar. 2026

The initial teaser for the trailer went big on '80s nostalgia, which means big CRT TVs, garish leotards, and Technicolor breakfast cereal. —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 3 Mar. 2026

Sporting a red leotard with a neckline that plunged all the way down to her sternum, Jenner accented the one-piece with matching sheer tights and peep-toe heels. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026

Swapping pointe shoes and pink tights for bare feet and leotards, Graham’s idiosyncratic technique may at first seem a stretch for the Joffrey company. —Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Jules Léotard, †1870 French aerial gymnast

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leotard

• bodyguard
• boulevard
• disregard
• asgard
• backyard
• barnyard
• blackguard
• bombard
• brickyard
• canard
• churchyard
• coastguard

Kids Definition

leotard

noun

le·​o·​tard ˈlē-ə-ˌtärd 

: a tight one-piece garment worn especially by dancers, gymnasts, and acrobats