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.
Heaton, 31, sported an oversized gray pinstriped suit with a matching suit vest, a black button-down shirt, and a pair of black leather loafers. Raven Brunner, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025 The play’s piano-and-strings compositions, by Grant Olding, closely recall Nicholas Britell’s discordant TV soundtrack; Richard wears sumptuous suits and velvet loafers without socks, then goes to prison in comfy gray sweats, sporting quiet luxury to the end. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2025 Additionally, these both can be paired with every shoe imaginable, from knee-high boots to suede sneakers, leather loafers, and finally, your favorite sandals, once open-toed shoe temperatures truly hit. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025 Yesterday, she was seen in LA wearing a baseball cap, a leather bomber, loafers, and a pair of sporty black micro shorts. Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 15 Apr. 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 1 May. 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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