legging

noun

leg·​ging ˈle-gən How to pronounce legging (audio)
 also  ˈlā-,
-giŋ
variants or less commonly leggin
ˈle-gən How to pronounce legging (audio)
 also  ˈlā-
plural leggings also leggins
1
a
: pants that are made of a material that stretches to fit tightly around the legs
usually used in plural
Lycra-cotton leggings and tunic tops are the pregnant woman's best friend, sartorially speaking.Anne Reeks
b
: tights
usually used in plural
Something about the name "footed leggings" just makes these sound way warmer than your basic tights.Melanie Richtman
2
a
: a covering (as of leather or cloth) for the legs worn over pants for protection
usually used in plural
Welding leggings protect the lower leg (from the knee down) from sparks and spatter. Leather is naturally abrasion and flame resistant for use in applications with heavy sparks and spatter.Grainger.com
b
: a pair of separate coverings (as of leather or cloth) for the legs
usually used in plural
… "leggings [worn by Plains Indians men] reached from the ankle to the thigh and were held in place by tying thongs, attached to their tops, to the belt. …"Norman Feder, quoted in Dress Clothing of the Plains Indians

Examples of legging 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.
Pack these espadrilles that are 60 percent off and go with everything from leggings for sightseeing to a dress for a night out. Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2024 Think everything from splurge items ($55 potato chips from Spain, Theragun’s Prime Plus heated massage gun) and affordable daily essentials (chic dog walking crossbody bags, gourmet hot sauces, stylish pocket leggings) to thoughtful stocking stuffers (journals, card games, sweet treats). Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024 The public swarmed Đài’s shows clad in denim, leggings and neon tees, doused in Aqua Net. Anh Do, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024 The performance apparel brand is known for its supremely soft fabrics and versatile silhouettes that can take you from the gym to the airport to bed, from buttery-soft leggings and relaxed tees to cozy fall jackets. Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legging 

Word History

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of legging was in 1718

Dictionary Entries Near legging

Cite this Entry

“Legging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legging. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

legging

noun
leg·​ging
variants or leggin
ˈleg-ən How to pronounce legging (audio)
ˈleg-iŋ
: a covering for the leg

More from Merriam-Webster on legging

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!