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

Read more on 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."

Read more on BBC

With a wink and a flick of her ponytail, Sue and six other dancers — all sporting shiny, one-piece leotards with gratuitous cutouts — begin to gyrate, thrust, and squat to throbbing electronic music.

Read more on Salon

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.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hosiery 
• pantyhose