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Leopard Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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leopard

[หˆlษ›pษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

wild animal

A leopard is a large, carnivorous feline animal with a distinctive spotted coat. Leopards are known for their agility and stealth, making them excellent hunters. They are primarily found in Africa and parts of Asia.

Synonyms

catamount, jaguar, panther.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
leopard

Leopards are usually referred to in the context of African wildlife or documentaries about big cats. They are known for their distinctive spotted coats.

  • We saw a leopard resting on a tree during our safari in Kenya
  • Leopards are skilled climbers and often haul their prey up into the branches
panther

Panther can refer to any large felines with solid-colored coats like black or white, often used in literature and media to convey mystery or elegance. It is also sometimes used interchangeably with 'leopard' or 'cougar' depending on the region.

  • The Black Panther is a symbol of power and grace in many cultures
  • Marvel's Black Panther is a popular superhero with a large following
jaguar

Jaguars are typically mentioned in the context of South and Central American wildlife. They are known for their powerful build and are less frequently spotted than leopards.

  • While exploring the Amazon rainforest, we were lucky enough to spot a jaguar near the riverbank
  • Jaguars are apex predators in their habitat
catamount

Catamount is an old-fashioned term mostly used in historical texts or regional dialects, particularly in North America. It's less common in modern language.

  • The early settlers often spoke of encounters with the elusive catamount in the Appalachian mountains

Examples of usage

  • The leopard stealthily stalked its prey through the dense jungle.
  • The leopard's spotted coat helps it blend in with its surroundings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Habitat

  • Leopards can adapt to a variety of environments, from savannas to rainforests to mountains.
  • They often prefer areas with plenty of cover, such as shrubs and trees, where they can stalk their prey.

Behavior

  • These cats are solitary animals, leading a largely nocturnal lifestyle to hunt when itโ€™s cooler.
  • Leopards are excellent swimmers and can often be found resting in trees after a successful hunt.

Conservation

  • The leopard population is decreasing due to habitat loss and poaching, leading to its status as a near threatened species.
  • Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and reducing human-wildlife conflict to protect these magnificent cats.

Cultural Significance

  • Leopards have been depicted in art and literature throughout history, symbolizing elegance, beauty, and raw power.
  • In some African cultures, leopard skin represents royalty and power, often worn by chiefs and shamans.

Origin of 'leopard'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'leopard' comes from the Greek words 'leลn' (lion) and 'pardos' (panther), indicating its big cat lineage.
  • In ancient cultures, the leopard was often seen as a symbol of power and ferocity, appearing in various mythologies.

The word 'leopard' originated from the Greek word 'leopardos', which means 'lion' and 'panther'. The leopard has been a symbol of power and strength in various cultures throughout history. It is often associated with speed, agility, and stealth.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,999, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.