leopard

noun

leop·​ard ˈle-pərd 

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

• leopard 1

Examples of leopard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Answering a profound question Within the past year, Curiosity has also detected the largest organic molecules ever discovered on Mars, while the Perseverance rover observed leopard spots on rocks that ancient life may have made. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026

The venue’s original leopard print carpet also remains—a hangover from its disco days and the longstanding witness to some of the city’s most hedonistic moments. —Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026

Among the 11 different species on exhibit will be sand tiger sharks, blacktip reef sharks and the endangered Australian leopard shark. —Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026

Naturally, the color palette revolves around a joyful, beachy vibe—all designed in shades of pink, citrus, and red, with splashes of leopard prints and snake textures. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing leopard

• a leopard can't change its spots
• clouded leopard
• leopard cat
• leopard frog
• leopard seal
• snow leopard

Rhymes for leopard

• peppered
• shepherd

Kids Definition

leopard

noun

leop·​ard ˈlep-ərd 

: 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