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
• lazybones

Examples of loafer in a Sentence

an incorrigible loafer who never accomplished anything

Recent Examples on the Web

Highlights include the slate gray glen plaid suit Reubens wore in 2016’s Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, which comes with the white shirt, red bowtie, pocket square, and white loafers that complete the outfit. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026

For more of our favorite comfy fall flats, check out Amazon’s best ballet flats, loafers, Mary Janes, dress flats, and more below. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026

Recognized for its extended vamp (that is, the upper portion of the shoe), this style lives at the intersection of a ballerina, a loafer, and a mule. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026

For this in-between stretch, backless loafers are a sleek option cosigned by the fall runways. — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 29 Sep. 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