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

Vionic’s spring-friendly shoes, including loafers, flats, and sneakers, are on sale at Amazon. —Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 8 Mar. 2026

On March 2—one day before debuting her new pageboy bob at Paris Fashion Week—Hadid made her grand entrance in a pair of straight-leg jeans that stop well above the ankle, showing off much of her beige crew sock and the entire tongue of her black loafers. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2026

More unique than a classic pair of black loafers, this rich color is still easy to style with your wardrobe. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026

For more of the best ballet flats and loafers to wear this year, check out our top picks below. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 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