legging

noun

leg·​ging ˈle-gən How to pronounce legging (audio)
 also  ˈlā-,
-giŋ
variants or less commonly leggin
ˈle-gən How to pronounce legging (audio)
 also  ˈlā-
plural leggings also leggins
1
a
: pants that are made of a material that stretches to fit tightly around the legs
usually used in plural
Lycra-cotton leggings and tunic tops are the pregnant woman's best friend, sartorially speaking.Anne Reeks
b
: tights
usually used in plural
Something about the name "footed leggings" just makes these sound way warmer than your basic tights.Melanie Richtman
2
a
: a covering (as of leather or cloth) for the legs worn over pants for protection
usually used in plural
Welding leggings protect the lower leg (from the knee down) from sparks and spatter. Leather is naturally abrasion and flame resistant for use in applications with heavy sparks and spatter.Grainger.com
b
: a pair of separate coverings (as of leather or cloth) for the legs
usually used in plural
… "leggings [worn by Plains Indians men] reached from the ankle to the thigh and were held in place by tying thongs, attached to their tops, to the belt. …"Norman Feder, quoted in Dress Clothing of the Plains Indians

Examples of legging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Similarly to joggers or leggings, these shorts act as a catch-all for spring and summer travel. Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2024 On April 16, the 54-year-old singer styled a white top handle bag with leggings and a gray puffer coat while out and about in New York City — but that’s not the only time she’s been spotted with the classic purse style. Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legging 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'legging.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of legging was in 1718

Dictionary Entries Near legging

Cite this Entry

“Legging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legging. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

legging

noun
leg·​ging
variants or leggin
ˈleg-ən How to pronounce legging (audio)
ˈleg-iŋ
: a covering for the leg

More from Merriam-Webster on legging

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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