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.
Anyanwu marvelled at the beauty of Immaculata, who was wearing a leopard-print dress and a matching headband. — Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 In 2026, the preppy shoe got a refresh—the silhouette comes in pretty suede hues, or with sleek buckles and studs, and maximalists can even grab the flats in fun animal prints like snake and leopard. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026 Of course, the leopard is also a symbol, for example for the Locarno festival’s adventurous approach to cinema. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2026 There are also plenty more adventurous hats, some lined with fur, finished with sequins and bold patterns like leopard print. — New York Times, 31 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing leopard

Rhymes for leopard

See All Rhymes for leopard

Browse Nearby Words

Leonurus
leopard
leopard's-bane
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leopard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leopard. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of leopard for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leopard

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