plural shoes
1
a
: an outer covering for the human foot typically having a thick or stiff sole with an attached heel and an upper part of lighter material (such as leather)
b
: a metal plate or rim for the hoof of an animal
2
: something resembling a shoe in function or placement
3
shoes plural
: another's place, function, or viewpoint
steps from assistant stage manager into the star's shoes—
Steven Fuller
Steven Fuller4
: a device that slows, stops, or controls the motion of an object
especially
: the part of a brake that presses on the brake drum
5
a
: any of various devices that are inserted in or run along a track or groove to guide a movement, provide a contact or friction grip, or protect against wear, damage, or slipping
b
: a device (such as a clip or track) on a camera that permits attachment of an accessory item (such as a flash unit)
6
: a dealing box designed to hold several decks of playing cards
shoeless
adjective
Synonyms
Examples of shoe in a Sentence
Noun
She bought a pair of shoes.
He took off his shoes and socks.
I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now.
Anyone in her shoes would have done the same thing.
Verb
The blacksmith shod the horse.
The horse was taken to be shod.
Recent Examples on the WebJamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
Filling the shoes of the late Virgil Abloh is a daunting task, yet Williams has put his own spin on the brand.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 5 Apr. 2024
The shoes are being given to three local organizations: Operation HOPE homeless shelter, One Safe Place Family Justice Center and MAAC Project Vista.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2024
Customers across the board echo this sentiment in the thousands of five-star reviews that the shoes have received.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2024
The boy liked to listen to music, play video games and collect shoes.
—Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Apr. 2024
Opt for a color that matches multiple tops and shoes to style day to night.
—ABC News, 4 Apr. 2024
Below, 10 spring shoe outfits to shop (and style out) all season long.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2024
But all of a sudden, my phone was like, ‘yo, you guys have your own shoe?
—Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2024
Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 19 Dec. 2023
Chic Ballet Flats Maison Margiela leather Mary Jane shoes
Margiela Mary Janes?
—Maia Torres, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2023
Other anvils are designed for farriers–men and women who shoe horses and do hoof-care.
—Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 9 Aug. 2023
It’s already claimed the number spot on the site’s fashion waist packs new releases chart and is popular on the clothing, jewelry, and shoe new releases chart.
—Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 23 July 2023
Shop more Sam Edelman shoes for all your spring and summer style needs below. Buy It!
—Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 16 June 2023
His clock had been set that way, from decades spent shoeing horses at sunrise.
—Katie Engelhart, New York Times, 9 May 2023
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant has worn Nike basketball shoes his entire career.
—Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2023
Losing a powerful asset like that is critical, regardless of who is shoed in to replace him.
—Dallas News, 26 Feb. 2023
Noun
Available in sizes 6 through 11, the shoes have a cushioned midsole, a rubber outsole, and silver logo detailing at the sides and tongue.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
Filling the shoes of the late Virgil Abloh is a daunting task, yet Williams has put his own spin on the brand.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 5 Apr. 2024
The shoes are being given to three local organizations: Operation HOPE homeless shelter, One Safe Place Family Justice Center and MAAC Project Vista.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2024
Customers across the board echo this sentiment in the thousands of five-star reviews that the shoes have received.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2024
The boy liked to listen to music, play video games and collect shoes.
—Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Apr. 2024
Opt for a color that matches multiple tops and shoes to style day to night.
—ABC News, 4 Apr. 2024
Below, 10 spring shoe outfits to shop (and style out) all season long.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2024
But all of a sudden, my phone was like, ‘yo, you guys have your own shoe?
—Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2024
Verb
Keep scrolling to shop more Stuart Weitzman shoes on sale at Rue La La now.
—Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 19 Dec. 2023
Chic Ballet Flats Maison Margiela leather Mary Jane shoes
Margiela Mary Janes?
—Maia Torres, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2023
Other anvils are designed for farriers–men and women who shoe horses and do hoof-care.
—Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 9 Aug. 2023
It’s already claimed the number spot on the site’s fashion waist packs new releases chart and is popular on the clothing, jewelry, and shoe new releases chart.
—Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 23 July 2023
Shop more Sam Edelman shoes for all your spring and summer style needs below. Buy It!
—Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 16 June 2023
His clock had been set that way, from decades spent shoeing horses at sunrise.
—Katie Engelhart, New York Times, 9 May 2023
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant has worn Nike basketball shoes his entire career.
—Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2023
Losing a powerful asset like that is critical, regardless of who is shoed in to replace him.
—Dallas News, 26 Feb. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shoe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English shoo, from Old English scōh; akin to Old High German scuoh shoe
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of shoe was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing shoe
Articles Related to shoe
Dictionary Entries Near shoe
Cite this Entry
“Shoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoe. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
shoe
1 of 2 noun1
a
: an outer covering for the human foot usually having a thick and somewhat stiff sole and heel and a lighter upper part
2
plural
: another's place or point of view
suppose you were in your friend's shoes
3
: the part of a brake that presses on the wheel of a vehicle
More from Merriam-Webster on shoe
Nglish: Translation of shoe for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of shoe for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shoe
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