snow leopard

noun

: a large cat (Panthera uncia synonym Uncia uncia) of upland central Asia with long heavy grayish-white fur irregularly marked with brownish-black spots, rosettes, and rings

Illustration of snow leopard

Illustration of snow leopard

Examples of snow leopard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How many snow leopards are left in the world? — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026 According to the outlet, a witness claimed a group of people saw the snow leopard crouching from a distance. — Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026 In the days leading up to the attack, authorities had warned visitors of multiple snow leopard sightings in the area. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026 The album’s cover features a snow leopard, a symbol in South Asia that’s meant to convey how his heritage inspired the project. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for snow leopard

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snow leopard was in 1866

Rhymes for snow leopard

See All Rhymes for snow leopard

Browse Nearby Words

snow lemming
snow leopard
snowless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Snow leopard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snow%20leopard. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

snow leopard

noun
: a large cat of central Asia with long heavy grayish white fur marked with brownish black spots and rings

More from Merriam-Webster on snow leopard

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about snow leopard

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