oxford

noun

ox·​ford ˈäks-fərd 

1

: a low shoe laced or tied over the instep

2

: a soft durable cotton or synthetic fabric made in plain or basket weaves

called also oxford cloth

Examples of oxford in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prep in Your Step From a timeless trench to a colorful polo, preppy staples are the perfect match for this pointy-toed pair of Michael Kors oxfords. —Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025

Kaling wore a mohair cardigan over a silk skirt or dress, semi-sheer tights, and platform lace-up oxfords, all in shades of deep red that hew closer to purple than brick. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 30 Sep. 2025

Kelce stood out among the low-key looks in a shorts suit — suit coat and matching shorts, shirt and tie and oxfords, no socks. —Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025

Robert Kennedy did it in oxfords. —Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Oxford, England

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

oxford

noun

ox·​ford ˈäks-fərd 

1

: a low shoe laced over the middle of the foot

2

: oxford cloth

Geographical Definition

Oxford

geographical name

Ox·​ford ˈäks-fərd 

variants or Medieval Latin Oxonia

äk-ˈsō-nē-ə 

city on the Thames River in south central England that is the capital of the county of Oxfordshire and site of the University of Oxford population 160,000

Oxfordian

äks-ˈfȯr-dē-ən 

adjective or noun