bootblack

noun

boot·​black ˈbüt-ˌblak 

: one who shines shoes

Examples of bootblack in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In these novels, the protagonists start at the bottom of the pyramid as stock boys, bootblacks, and immigrant buskers. — Alissa Quart, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2023

Yesterday, the Sun asked this question of a wide variety of people – an auxiliary policeman, a protest marcher, a steelworker, a politician, a barber, a bridegroom, a bootblack and others. — Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2026

With its title mocking the attempts of phrenology to diminish the worth of African Americans, Smith paints dignified portraits of everyday black people—a bootblack, a washerman—as examples of the unique personalities inherent to every human being. — Bryan Greene, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Feb. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

bootblack

noun

boot·​black ˈbüt-ˌblak 

: a person who shines boots and shoes