loafer

noun

loaf·​er ˈlō-fər How to pronounce loafer (audio)
1
: one that loafs : idler
2
: a low step-in shoe

Examples of loafer in a Sentence

an incorrigible loafer who never accomplished anything
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dress it up with trousers and loafers, or go for a casual look with blue jeans and sneakers. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 Layer with a crisp button-down, and complete the look with classic loafers or pointed-toe heels. Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 19 Mar. 2025 Produced in India, the collection features boots, loafers, mary janes and more. Lily Templeton, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025 Goldberg owns two hundred and eighty-eight pairs—including, but not limited to, heels, sneakers, pointy-toed flats, Birkenstocks, Converses, wedges, boots, platforms, Crocs, flip-flops, and loafers. André Wheeler, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loafer

Word History

Etymology

perhaps short for landloafer, from German Landläufer tramp, from Land + Läufer runner

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loafer was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loafer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loafer. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

loafer

noun
loaf·​er ˈlō-fər How to pronounce loafer (audio)
1
: a person who loafs
2
: a low shoe with no laces

More from Merriam-Webster on loafer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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