Leo

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?

People with the sign Leo are traditionally considered to be those born in the range of July 23–August 22. However, interpretations vary.

Leo comes from Greek, from a word meaning lion. It is often used in stories as the name for a lion character.

In astrology, the different signs of the zodiac are thought to be associated with certain personality traits. Traits associated with Leo include competitiveness and bravery (probably due to being considered lionhearted). Leo and the other signs of the zodiac are often used in the context of a person’s horoscope. The word horoscope can refer to a diagram of the heavens that maps the relative position of planets and the signs of the zodiac. It can also refer to a prediction based (or said to be based) on a person’s sign and the location of other celestial bodies at the time they were born.

Get more insight into what really defines a Leo by visiting our article on the many traits of Leos. 

What are some words that share a root or word element with Leo? 

• leopard
• lion

What are some words that often get used in discussing Leo?

• constellation
• zodiac
• sign
• sign of the zodiac
• zodiacal constellation
• July
• August
• lion
• astrology
• astronomy

The word Leo is used to refer to the constellation or the sign of the zodiac named after the constellation. In the context of astrology, people associate a number of different traits with the sign Leo.

Leos, what’s the most Leo thing you’ve ever done? 🤔

— Halle Berry (@halleberry) June 17, 2021

I have so much fire in me. I’m so feisty, spicy etc. My gosh. I’m a Leo so it makes sense but geez.

— Stacey’s World (@Stacey_Ziyavaya) June 17, 2021

The moon is beautiful tonight (and every night), sitting snugly between the stars of the constellation Leo.

— ❄ E ❄ (@loulizlacipolla) June 16, 2021

True or False?

Leos are born in December.