legging
B1informal, fashion, everyday
Definition
Meaning
A tight-fitting garment, typically made of stretchy material like spandex or nylon, covering the legs from waist to ankle.
A singular form of 'leggings', sometimes used to refer to a single item, or historically a covering for the lower leg. The word is now far more common in the plural.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Overwhelmingly used in the plural form 'leggings' to refer to the pair. The singular 'legging' is rare, sometimes used in technical garment manufacturing contexts (e.g., 'cut one legging').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. Both regions primarily use the plural 'leggings'. The singular form 'legging' is equally rare in both.
Connotations
Connotations related to comfort, casual wear, athleisure, or exercise are identical. No significant regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects as a common clothing item. No notable frequency difference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
wear + [leggings]a pair of + [leggings][leggings] + made of + materialput on/take off + [leggings]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dressed in black from legging to neck (poetic/rare)”
- “legging it (different meaning: to run or walk quickly)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in retail, fashion industry, and marketing contexts (e.g., 'Our new line of high-waisted leggings').
Academic
Rare, except in studies on fashion, textiles, or sociology of dress.
Everyday
Very common: discussing clothing, comfort, gym attire, casual fashion.
Technical
Used in garment design, pattern cutting, and textile manufacturing specifications.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She was legging it down the high street to catch the bus. (Idiom: to run)
American English
- He was legging it to the subway before the rain started. (Idiom: to run/hurry)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She wears black leggings every day.
- I like my blue leggings.
- For yoga, comfortable leggings are essential.
- She paired her long jumper with a simple pair of leggings.
- The brand is renowned for its sustainably produced, high-performance leggings.
- Athleisure wear, such as stylish leggings, has become acceptable office attire in some companies.
- The debate over whether leggings constitute trousers continues to rage in certain fashion circles.
- These technical leggings, imbued with moisture-wicking fabric and strategic compression, are designed for elite athletes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LEG + GING. It's a garment for your LEGs that you're slingING on.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A SECOND SKIN (leggings are form-fitting like skin).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'гетры' (gaiters) or 'лосины' (a closer, but not perfect, match). The Russian 'леггинсы' is a direct borrowing.
- The English singular 'legging' is rarely used, whereas Russian might use 'леггинс' more freely.
Common Mistakes
- Using the singular 'legging' to refer to the pair (e.g., 'I bought a new legging' – incorrect; should be '...new leggings').
- Confusing 'leggings' (footless, often thicker) with 'tights' (sheer, footed, US) or 'pantyhose'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST common and natural usage?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the garment, 'leggings' (plural) is almost always correct. The singular 'legging' is rarely used outside of manufacturing.
Typically, leggings are opaque, footless, and can be worn as trousers (with a long top). Tights are sheerer, cover the feet, and are considered underwear/hosiery.
Yes, especially as base layers for sports like running or cycling (often called compression tights or running tights). Fashion leggings for men are also a growing trend.
Generally no. Leggings are considered casual, athletic, or loungewear. However, in 'athleisure' contexts, they can be styled for smart-casual environments.