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.
One snap shows the Live with Kelly and Mark host sans clothing save for a dark trench coat, knee-high socks and a pair of loafers. Catherine Santino, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025 The woven design of the fabric is an elevated upgrade to the classic pique polo in your closet to wear under an unstructured blazer with a matching pants, classic indigo jeans or even khaki shorts with a stellar pair of loafers to complete the look. Adam Mansuroglu, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025 While initially conceived as an underwear label, Smoked Bone was reimagined as a line of loafers, slippers and robes that hearkened back to late nights on the town and late check-out requests the morning after. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2025 Round out your graduation getup with a pair of dress shoes, such as black leather loafers or a pair of minimalist sandals. Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 27 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 16 Apr. 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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