leopard

noun

leop·​ard ˈle-pərd How to pronounce leopard (audio)
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

Illustration of leopard
  • leopard 1

Examples of leopard in a Sentence

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.
Ahead of dinner, Martha Stewart arrived in a flurry of flashbulbs, leopard print, and gold. Freya Drohan, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025 The Apron Dress comes in a trendy-but-timeless leopard print and has a high neckline, scoop back combo that’s perfect for running errands or hitting the pickleball court. Sarah Felbin, SELF, 6 Feb. 2025 There will be three capsules, showcasing vibrant colors, leopard prints, and checkerboard and flame motifs — reflecting and inspired by the different musical eras that have helped shape the Vans sneaker — punk, hardcore, rock and hip-hop. Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 4 Feb. 2025 Since 2023, Anderson’s house fabric selection has included a jaguar print (complemented by a leopard print for women) available exclusively through its bespoke program. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for leopard 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of leopard was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near leopard

Cite this Entry

“Leopard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leopard. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

leopard

noun
leop·​ard ˈlep-ərd How to pronounce leopard (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on leopard

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