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.
Amusingly enough, key styles of that year—bomber jackets, backless loafers, and skinny jeans—have never felt more relevant, or ubiquitous, than right now. Talia Abbas, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2026 Silk pajama pants slouched over Wales Bonner loafers. Tyler Matthew Oyer feb. 27, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 The classic horsebit loafer, Gucci’s calling card, was reinterpreted with fur in an easygoing mule style. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026 These boat loafers are very much in line with the old money aesthetic that continues to trend, especially in the wake of the Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy obsession triggered by Ryan Murphy’s Love Story. Ana Serrano, Glamour, 26 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 7 Mar. 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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