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

Examples of loafer in a Sentence

an incorrigible loafer who never accomplished anything

Recent Examples on the Web

Fisherman Sandals More structured than a sandal but not quite a loafer, the fisherman sandal sits somewhere in-between. — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 10 July 2026

Head over to Quince to snag the designer lookalike loafer mules, or keep scrolling to shop more luxe yet affordable styles from the brand. — Megan Schaltegger, InStyle, 8 July 2026

This loafer comes in five colors, has an Ortholite insole, and features arch support. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

But where menswear is concerned, nothing rivals the cult of the Belgian loafer. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 6 July 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