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.
Rocky, meanwhile, wore a black double-breasted coat with a tie-waist, a spotty gray-blue shirt and coordinating patterned tie, navy slacks, square toe black loafers, a large Bottega Veneta tote, and Ray-Bans. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2026 The man whose loafer launched an empire wanted a piece of the action this time. Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026 Instead of a stiff loafer, a comfortable, stylish alternative is a pair of slip-on moccasins like these from Artisure. Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026 Aside from the Brooklyn, the fall 2026 women’s line features premium materials sourced in collaboration with Greats’ long-standing manufacturing partners in Portugal and spans key categories including other sneaker silhouettes, ballerinas, and loafers. Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 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

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