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
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
Here is the sheet music from which Democrats and their liberal-media bootblacks will sing, should GOP senators adopt a quick motion to dismiss:
Republicans perpetrated the ultimate cover up!
—Deroy Murdock, National Review, 22 Dec. 2019
Joe Bologna was the son, grandson and nephew of bootblacks.
—Anita Gates, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2017
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.
Alissa Quart, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2023
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
Here is the sheet music from which Democrats and their liberal-media bootblacks will sing, should GOP senators adopt a quick motion to dismiss:
Republicans perpetrated the ultimate cover up!
—Deroy Murdock, National Review, 22 Dec. 2019
Joe Bologna was the son, grandson and nephew of bootblacks.
—Anita Gates, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Bootblack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bootblack. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bootblack
noun
boot·black
ˈbüt-ˌblak 
: a person who shines boots and shoes
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share