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.
This New Year, style yours with Mango’s classic camel coat, Maria McManus’s cozy, but chic cashmere hoodie, and a pair of soft-toe suede loafers from Reformation. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 7 Jan. 2025 Blanco, meanwhile, wore an all-white boucle-like textured suit and a lace mock turtleneck paired with brown loafers. Escher Walcott, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025 Lug Sole Penny Loafers This chunky lug sole loafer is available in classic black, but probably not for long. Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2025 For a Milan vibe, add coordinating slacks and a loafer and the London Tote from Aspinal of London. Felicity Carter, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near loafer

Cite this Entry

“Loafer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loafer. Accessed 20 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!