Leo
1 Americannoun
genitive
Leonis-
Astronomy. the Lion, a zodiacal constellation between Virgo and Cancer, containing the bright star Regulus.
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Astrology.
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the fifth sign of the zodiac: the fixed fire sign.
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a person born under this sign, usually between July 23rd and August 22nd.
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a male given name: from a Greek word meaning “lion.”
abbreviation
noun
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astronomy a zodiacal constellation in the N hemisphere, lying between Cancer and Virgo on the ecliptic, that contains the star Regulus and the radiant of the Leonid meteor shower
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astrology
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Also called: the Lion. the fifth sign of the zodiac, symbol ♌, having a fixed fire classification and ruled by the sun. The sun is in this sign between about July 23 and Aug 22
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a person born during a period when the sun is in this sign
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adjective
noun
Usage
What does Leo mean? Leo is the name of a constellation that is interpreted as representing a lion. It’s sometimes referred to as The Lion. A constellation is a group of stars that appear near each other in the sky—especially a group that has been given a name. Leo is considered one of the 12 zodiacal constellations—constellations that appear within a particular portion of the sky called the zodiac. In astronomy, the zodiac is the band of sky along which the paths of the sun, the moon, and the planets appear to move. Despite its basis in astronomy, the word zodiac is mainly associated with and most often used in the context of astrology, the nonscientific practice in which the positions of heavenly bodies at certain times are thought to influence or be correlated with human behavior and events. In astrology, zodiac refers to a diagram (often a circular one) representing the zodiac belt and showing the symbols associated with each of the 12 constellations or sections, which are called the signs of the zodiac. Leo is one of these signs. It is situated between Cancer and Virgo and is considered the fifth sign of the zodiac. The other signs of the zodiac are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. The position of the sun in a particular portion of the zodiac at the moment of a person’s birth is thought to correlate with their personality. This is what people are referring to when they talk about their zodiac sign (or star sign or often just sign). People whose sign is Leo are those born between July 23 and August 22. The word Leo can be used as a noun to refer to someone who is born during this time, as in I was born in early August, so I’m a Leo. The word Leonian can be used to mean the same thing. It can also be used as an adjective form of Leo. Leo is also a given name, traditionally a male one. Example: Oh, your birthday is in August? Are you a Leo?
Etymology
Origin of Leo
from Latin: lion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Patterson also touted solid demand for groceries and the looming launch of satellite internet provider Amazon Leo.
From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has proven to be very politically savvy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
If you believe the official line, Pope Leo XIV is the direct successor to St. Peter, Jesus Christ’s chosen representative of his church on Earth.
From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026
Leo Cheng is part of a group of about 10 Eaton fire survivors working together to build passive homes in Altadena.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026
“Then fill me in. Because from where I’m sitting, Leo seems like the only person on this whole bus worth being friends with.”
From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
