noun
leper
LEHP
Leper (noun) means a person suffering from leprosy, a disease that damages the skin and nerves. Example: “Historically, lepers were often forced to live outside town walls.”
noun
1
A person suffering from leprosy, a disease that damages the skin and nerves.
"Historically, lepers were often forced to live outside town walls."
2
Someone who is shunned or avoided by everyone else, often figuratively.
"After the scandal broke, he became a social leper at the office."
How to use leper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone with leprosy, or, more commonly today, someone treated as an outcast.
When to use it
The medical use is now largely replaced by "person with Hansen's disease"; the figurative sense ("social leper") is the one most commonly heard today.
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Word forms
- Plural
- lepers
- Third person singular
- lepers
- Past tense
- lepered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Historically, _____ were often forced to live outside town walls.
Etymology
From Greek lepra, "scaly disease," describing the flaking skin symptoms of leprosy.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for leper
keeper
peeper
beeper
sweeper
sleeper
creeper
steeper
beekeeper
innkeeper
zookeeper
goalkeeper
shopkeeper
See all rhymes for leper →
Frequently asked questions
What does “leper” mean?
The word “leper” means a person suffering from leprosy, a disease that damages the skin and nerves. In plain terms, someone with leprosy, or, more commonly today, someone treated as an outcast.
How do you pronounce “leper”?
“Leper” is pronounced LEHP (/ˈlɛpɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “leper” in a sentence?
Here is “leper” used in a sentence: “Historically, lepers were often forced to live outside town walls.”
What part of speech is “leper”?
“Leper” is a noun.
Where does the word “leper” come from?
The word “leper” comes from Greek. From Greek lepra, "scaly disease," describing the flaking skin symptoms of leprosy.
How many meanings does “leper” have?
“Leper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person suffering from leprosy, a disease that damages the skin and nerves.
