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

Women carry Dior bags and don Gucci sandals while men wear tailored jeans and loafers. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026

Grab a pretty blouse and strappy sandals to wear for brunch dates, or pair them with a denim jacket and loafers as the weather gets cooler. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026

Women’s bridge and designer loafer sales rose about 15 percent from January through May compared with the same period in 2025, according to Circana. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

The classic penny-strap silhouette keeps the style close to a traditional loafer and secure while on the foot, but the slip-on-and-off design makes things easy. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 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