legging

noun

leg·​ging ˈle-gən 

 also  ˈlā-,

-giŋ

variants or less commonly leggin

ˈle-gən 

 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

Pack these espadrilles that are 60 percent off and go with everything from leggings for sightseeing to a dress for a night out. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2024

Think everything from splurge items ($55 potato chips from Spain, Theragun’s Prime Plus heated massage gun) and affordable daily essentials (chic dog walking crossbody bags, gourmet hot sauces, stylish pocket leggings) to thoughtful stocking stuffers (journals, card games, sweet treats). —Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024

The public swarmed Đài’s shows clad in denim, leggings and neon tees, doused in Aqua Net. —Anh Do, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024

The performance apparel brand is known for its supremely soft fabrics and versatile silhouettes that can take you from the gym to the airport to bed, from buttery-soft leggings and relaxed tees to cozy fall jackets. —Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Kids Definition

legging

noun

leg·​ging

variants or leggin

ˈleg-ən 

ˈleg-iŋ

: a covering for the leg