Leonine means resembling or relating to a lion. When someone has a leonine appearance, they might have a thick mane of hair, a strong jaw, or a commanding presence that reminds you of the king of beasts. A leonine roar is deep and powerful, the kind that makes people stop and pay attention.

The word comes from leo, the Latin word for lion, which is also why the constellation Leo and the zodiac sign share that name. You might describe someone's leonine features if they have a noble, dignified look, or call someone's behavior leonine if they're protective and commanding, like a lion guarding its pride.

Writers often use leonine to describe leaders or authority figures who project strength and confidence. A principal might have a leonine presence when addressing the whole school. The word carries positive associations: courage, strength, and natural authority rather than aggression or meanness.