leggings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leggings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a type of tight-fitting clothing typically worn on the legs, often made of stretchy material. Example: "She decided to wear her favorite leggings for the workout at the gym."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the print on this upmarket option is flattering enough that, with the addition of leggings, tights or even bare legs and sunshine, even the shyest should be able to flaunt their fuller figures with pride.

Independent

The Northern Echo reported this week that staff from Love Productions, the company behind Benefits Street – "two young women, both dressed down in leggings and jumpers but with cut-glass southern accents" – had been talking to the residents of Dixon Street in Stockton-on-Tees.

The Guardian

Sinason arrives, in her north London counselling room, tanned and relaxed in a loose smock, dark leggings and trainers.

The Guardian

"She just made it look so sexy and elegant, all dressed in her Lycra," says the class leader, Elkie – our modern day Jane Fonda, dressed in an oversized t-shirt, leggings, and lime-green Reebok Classics.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Be daring – next year the 90s are back, so swishing a pair of leggings for a pair of cycling shorts is not the extreme folly it once was.

The Guardian

She would wear leopard-print leggings with geometrically-patterned jumpers; red Katharine Hamnett combat trousers with many material loops and belts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These days, hardliners are riled by exposed ears, "leggings," and robe-like "open" manteaus.

The Guardian

A sample:Before leggings, when there were letters, before texts and tweets, when there was time, before speed cameras, when you could speed, before graffiti management companies, when cities had souls, we managed just the same.

The Economist

Mr Wilson provoked outrage last month by suggesting that an ongoing problem with leggings that are too sheer might be because "some women's bodies just actually don't work" in Lululemon's snug clothing.

The Economist

Facebook groups showing shiny leggings have attracted thousands of fans.

The Economist

Women jog in leggings, rather than going around in black cloaks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the fabric and opacity of "leggings". Terms like "sheer" or "opaque" can add clarity.

Common error

While "leggings" are versatile, they may not be appropriate for all formal settings. Consider the context before assuming they are suitable attire. A safe choice for formal events is to avoid them or check for the formality of the event.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "leggings" is as a noun, specifically a plural noun, referring to a type of clothing. Ludwig confirms this usage, with examples showing "leggings" used to describe garments worn on the legs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leggings" is a very common and grammatically correct noun used to describe tight-fitting stretch pants. As Ludwig shows, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in encyclopedias. The term has a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of settings. When using the term "leggings", consider specifying the type of material or the specific purpose of the leggings to provide more clarity. According to Ludwig, "leggings" are widely accepted and used in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Tights

Refers to a similar garment, but typically thinner and more sheer than leggings.

Yoga pants

Specifically designed for athletic activities like yoga, often thicker and more supportive than standard leggings.

Exercise leggings

Highlights the use of leggings for sport and physical activity.

Compression pants

Leggings designed to provide support and improve circulation, often used in sports.

Jeggings

A type of leggings that are designed to look like jeans.

Treggings

A type of leggings that are designed to look like trousers.

Leg coverings

A more general term encompassing various types of garments worn on the legs.

Base layer pants

Leggings worn as a base layer for warmth in cold weather.

Activewear bottoms

A broader category that includes leggings along with other athletic pants.

Spandex pants

Highlights the stretchy material often used in leggings.

FAQs

How to use "leggings" in a sentence?

"Leggings" are commonly used to describe tight-fitting stretch pants. For example, "She paired a long tunic with black leggings".

What can I say instead of "leggings"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tights", "yoga pants", or "jeggings".

Which is correct, "legging" or "leggings"?

"Leggings" is the correct plural form. "Legging" is rarely used as a singular form, usually to describe a single part of a pair, or historically.

What's the difference between "leggings" and "tights"?

"Leggings" are typically thicker and opaque, while "tights" are thinner and often sheer. Leggings can be worn as pants, while "tights" are usually worn under other clothing.