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Definition of leotard

leotard

/ˈliː.ə.tɑːrd/
le · o · tard
Plural:leotards
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leotard Lexical Profile

leotard Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A close-fitting, one-piece garment that covers the torso and typically leaves the legs bare, worn primarily by gymnasts, acrobats, and dancers.

Example

"The ballerina adjusted her black leotard and tied her pointe shoes before stepping onto the stage."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for leotard

Word Nuance & Usage

While similar to a bodysuit, a leotard typically lacks snaps at the crotch and is designed specifically for athletic performance; it is also distinct from a unitard, which extends down to cover the legs.

• Nearby Words

leopard snake
leopard tortoise
leopard's bane
leotard
lepechinia
lepidium
leporinus

Word Origin & Etymology

Named after Jules Léotard (1838–1870), a 19th-century French acrobat who invented the flying trapeze and popularized the tight-fitting garment to allow unrestricted movement.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Leotard. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/leotard
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