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.
Jackson was known for wearing a distinctive combination of black loafers and white socks, typically with cropped pants. Jaden Thompson For Wwd, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 2026 Dress it up with white trousers and loafers, or keep it casual with your favorite jeans. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026 Plus, those chunky loafers take up a lot of space in a travel bag, Salinger says. Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2026 Shoppers are now applying the label to a wide variety of footwear, including sneakers, sandals and even loafers, prioritizing versatility over traditional style categories. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 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

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