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 From a gorgeous pair of loafers going for 55 percent off to a top-notch pair of hiking boots that are half off their regular price, the popular online retailer is full of huge markdowns on footwear from top-tier brands like Adidas, Coach, Columbia, and more for all of your travel needs. Rachel Simon, Travel + Leisure, 4 May 2024 On April 27, Holmes topped off a spring-ready ‘fit consisting of wide-leg pants, a lightweight cardigan, and white loafers with a brown version of the fuss-free bag trend Hollywood can’t stop wearing. Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 1 May 2024 One of the boots was a thigh-high style, while the other was a loafer style. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 24 Apr. 2024 Smith wears a Wales Bonner sweatshirt and pants, Gucci loafers Photographed by Andy Jackson. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 23 Apr. 2024 In the image, Biles wore a white halter-style dress with layers of tulle ruffles, while Owens looked dapper in a slim-fitting tan suit and white loafers. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024 Finish it off not with sneakers (long the easy way to dress down tailoring, now tired) but with classic loafers. Max Berlinger, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2024 They can easily be dressed up for work with a button-down blouse and loafers, or paired with sneakers and a simple tee for a more casual vibe. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024 Try it with a plain black spaghetti strap dress or a cropped T-shirt and a tennis skirt paired with loafers. Essence, 12 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loafer.' 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

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 9 May. 2024.

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!