bootblack

noun

boot·black | \ˈbüt-ˌblak

\

Definition of bootblack

: one who shines shoes

Examples of bootblack in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Joe Bologna was the son, grandson and nephew of bootblacks. — Anita Gates, New York Times, "Joseph Bologna, Onscreen Tough Guy With a Sense of Humor, Dies at 82," 14 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bootblack.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Time Traveler for bootblack

The first known use of bootblack was in 1817

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de rigueur

required by fashion, etiquette, or custom

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