leotard

[ lee-uh-tahrd ]

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.

leotard

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of leotard¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of leotard¹

C19: named after Jules Léotard, French acrobat

Example Sentences

“I want to have a leotard that changes color as I’m running around,” explains graduate student Ben Miller.

From Science News For Students

With her home temporarily converted into a leotard laboratory, she experimented with different Lycra blends until she found her holy grail.

From Popular-Science

It is the first leotard that was ever able to support my chest.’

From Popular-Science

One tenant said she was frightened when she encountered a large, seemingly drunk man she didn’t know dancing in a leotard and tutu in the parking garage.

From ProPublica

There was Byrne with permed hair so big that it practically bursts beyond the lens, and sporting a leotard in a purple hue so dated it may actually have gone extinct once the ’90s hit.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• hosiery
• pantyhose