# leapt

/ˈɫɛpt/ (US) · /lˈɛpt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/leapt
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

the past tense of leap. It means you jumped a long distance or jumped very high.

For teachers: the past tense and past participle of 'leap'. Refers to the action of jumping a significant distance or height, or moving suddenly and with great force.

## Examples

- The cat leapt onto the high shelf to reach its food.
- When the gates finally opened, the crowd leapt to their feet and cheered for the arriving team.
- The athlete leapt across the stream with such grace that he barely seemed to exert any effort at all, landing perfectly on the muddy bank.

## Usage notes

- An irregular past tense form of 'leap'; 'leaped' is also used, though 'leapt' is more common in British English.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.