# leopard

/ˈɫɛpɝd/ (US) · /lˈɛpəd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/leopard
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the animal

noun · CEFR A2

a large wild cat with yellow fur and black spots that lives in Africa and Asia.

For teachers: a large, solitary feline (Panthera pardus) native to Africa and parts of Asia, distinguished by its spotted coat and ability to climb trees.

- The leopard hid in the tall grass while watching the herd of deer.
- Conservationists are working to protect the leopard's natural habitat from further encroachment by local farming communities.

### 2. heraldry

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a symbol of a lion shown walking and looking toward the viewer.

For teachers: a lion represented in a walking position with its head turned toward the spectator.

- The king's shield featured a golden leopard on a red background.
- In traditional English heraldry, the term leopard was often used to describe a lion in the passant guardant position rather than the biological feline.

Usage: Used primarily in the study of coats of arms and historical emblems.

## Examples

- The leopard hid in the tall grass.
- During the safari, we saw a leopard resting on a high branch with its kill.
- The leopard is known for its remarkable adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats ranging from arid deserts to lush rainforests due to its opportunistic hunting style.

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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.