leotard

American  

[lee-uh-tahrd] / ˈli əˌtɑrd /

noun

1. a skintight, one-piece garment for the torso, having a high or low neck, long or short sleeves, and a lower portion resembling either briefs or tights, worn by acrobats, dancers, etc.

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leotard British  

/ ˈlɪəˌtɑːd /

noun

1. a tight-fitting garment covering the body from the shoulders down to the thighs and worn by acrobats, ballet dancers, etc

2. (plural) another name for tights

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Etymology

Origin of leotard

1915–20; named after Jules Léotard, 19th-century French aerialist

Compare meaning

How does leotard compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• unitard vs. leotard

Example Sentences

“I’m still in shock that those leg warmers and leotards caught on the way they did,” Fonda wrote to supporters in April.

From Los Angeles Times

Asked what the flamboyant star would have worn, his bandmate replied: "I think it would be formal. He wouldn't do the short shorts or the leotard. He'd be in tails, very elegant."

From BBC

She was in the John Lewis store in Brent Cross, west London with her children to find a leotard, tutu and tights for her three-year-old daughter Emily, who was about to start ballet lessons.

From BBC

They entered the stage in a top hat, white sequined leotard, rhinestone heels, sporting a long, thick braid attached to their hair.

From Los Angeles Times

Most notably, she performed Ailey’s 1971 solo “Cry,” where she famously folded, extended and suspended herself in a white long-sleeved leotard and a matching long ruffled skirt.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hosiery
• pantyhose