What does legged mean?
Legged is an adjective meaning that something has legs, especially a particular number or kind of legs. Its most familiar use is in compound adjectives such as “two-legged,” “four-legged,” “three-legged,” and “long-legged.” In these expressions, it identifies the kind of animal, object, or person being described without requiring a separate phrase. The word can be used literally, as when discussing an animal’s anatomy, or figuratively in descriptions of furniture, machinery, architecture, and movement. It is related to the noun “leg,” and the suffix “-ed” forms an adjective from that base. Although “legged” is not usually used alone in contemporary English, it remains clear and natural in established compounds, especially those specifying the number of legs.
adjectiveHaving legs; especially having a specified number or kind of legs, as in “four-legged” or “long-legged.”
- Having legs.
- Having a specified number or type of legs, especially in compound adjectives.
"The four-legged creature moved silently through the undergrowth."
"The two-legged explorer climbed the steep ridge."
"It is a strange, long-legged bird with a metallic sheen."
“Legged” turns the familiar idea of legs into a compact descriptor: one word can distinguish a two-legged animal from a four-legged one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does legged come from?
The word comes from the English noun “leg” with the adjective-forming suffix “-ed.” This pattern is especially productive in compound adjectives describing the number or appearance of legs, such as “four-legged” and “long-legged.” The underlying word “leg” is Germanic in origin and is related to cognates found in several Germanic languages, though the modern adjective form is an English development.
How legged is actually used
Used mainly as a combining form in compound adjectives such as “two-legged,” “four-legged,” and “long-legged”; the uncombined form is uncommon in ordinary modern prose.