loafer

noun

loaf·​er ˈlō-fər 

1

: one that loafs : idler

2

: a low step-in shoe

Synonyms of loafer

• slug
• drone
• bum
• snail
• idler
• slouch
• sluggard
• layabout
• deadbeat

Examples of loafer in a Sentence

an incorrigible loafer who never accomplished anything

Recent Examples on the Web

Wear them with sandals or ballet flats now, then ankle boots or loafers in the fall. — Mayte Salido, Glamour, 27 July 2026

Weger holds a pair of sparkling JVB X Nomasei ‘Nono’ loafers. — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026

Mules are also a great way to incorporate the preppy look of loafers into a seasonally appropriate look. — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026

Vionic’s office-friendly shoes, including loafers, flats, and sneakers, are on sale at Amazon. — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 25 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing loafer

• penny loafer

Rhymes for loafer

• gopher

Kids Definition

loafer

noun

loaf·​er ˈlō-fər 

1

: a person who loafs

2

: a low shoe with no laces