leggings

A woman wears black leggings for her morning yoga.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Tight-fitting stretch trousers: "leggings" are close-fitting, stretchy pants that typically cover the legs and are worn for exercise or as casual wear. They are usually made of materials like spandex, cotton, or polyester.
   • Protective leg coverings: Historically, "leggings" referred to a covering for the leg, often made of leather or cloth, worn for protection or warmth, especially by soldiers or outdoor workers.

Usage Examples

• (Tight-fitting stretch trousers for exercise.)
• (Protective leg coverings for outdoor activity.)
• (Casual clothing item.)

Advanced Usage

• "Leggings as a fashion staple": leggings are often worn as a standalone garment or under dresses and tunics in modern fashion.
  • Athleisure trends have made leggings acceptable for everyday wear. (Leggings are now common in casual and sporty outfits.)
• "Compression leggings": a type of leggings designed to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue during exercise.
  • Runners often use compression leggings to enhance performance. (Specialized leggings for athletic recovery.)

Variants and Related Words

• Legging (n, singular): a single covering for one leg.
  • He lost one legging during the hike. (One piece of the pair.)
• Legging-like (adj): resembling or similar to leggings.
  • The fabric had a legging-like stretch. (Similar in texture or fit.)

Synonyms

• Tights: close-fitting garments covering the legs and feet, often worn with skirts or for dance.
  • She wore tights under her dress. (Similar to leggings but often thinner and footed.)
• Stretch pants: trousers made of elastic material that fit tightly.
  • Yoga pants are a type of stretch pants. (A broader category including leggings.)
• Jeggings: a hybrid of jeans and leggings, made to look like denim.
  • Jeggings offer the look of jeans with the comfort of leggings. (A specific variant.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Pull on leggings: to put on leggings quickly.
  • She pulled on her leggings before heading to the gym. (Put on the garment.)
• Wear down leggings: to cause leggings to become worn or faded through use.
  • Frequent washing can wear down leggings. (Damage from regular use.)

Related Idioms

• "In one's leggings": dressed in leggings, often implying a casual or athletic state.
  • She was in her leggings all day, feeling relaxed. (Wearing leggings as casual attire.)
• "Leggings and a tee": a simple, comfortable outfit combination.
  • Her go-to look is leggings and a tee. (A basic, casual ensemble.)