loafer

noun

loaf·​er ˈlō-fər How to pronounce loafer (audio)
Synonyms of loafernext
1
: one that loafs : idler
2
: a low step-in shoe

Examples of loafer in a Sentence

an incorrigible loafer who never accomplished anything
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Dress it up with white trousers and loafers, or keep it casual with your favorite jeans. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026 Pair a white tee with a pair of trousers, a blazer and loafers for an easy office ensemble. ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026 Shoes From loafers to pumps, printed or plain, pony hair footwear adds just the right amount of tactility to elevate the simplest of looks—without ever feel overdone. Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026 The president's inner circle has dropped Louis Vuitton for the loafers – which cost around $145 a pair. Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loafer

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of loafer was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loafer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loafer. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

loafer

noun
loaf·​er ˈlō-fər How to pronounce loafer (audio)
1
: a person who loafs
2
: a low shoe with no laces

More from Merriam-Webster on loafer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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