oxford

noun

ox·​ford ˈäks-fərd 

1

: a low shoe laced or tied over the instep

2

: a soft durable cotton or synthetic fabric made in plain or basket weaves

called also oxford cloth

Examples of oxford in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mark has this theory that bespoke oxfords are not really worth the money, because many fine examples can be found off the rack. —Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025

While a chunky sweater, a few pairs of cords and maybe some oxfords will get you through the season, that look can get a little stale. —Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

The looks are familiar — gold-button blazers, oxfords and rugbys — but with the edge of New York City peacocking. —Dave Schilling, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2024

Anderson layered a white crewneck T-shirt under the functional style and then cuffed them over cozy socks and oxfords. —Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Oxford, England

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

oxford

noun

ox·​ford ˈäks-fərd 

1

: a low shoe laced over the middle of the foot

2

: oxford cloth

Geographical Definition

Oxford

geographical name

Ox·​ford ˈäks-fərd 

variants or Medieval Latin Oxonia

äk-ˈsō-nē-ə 

city on the Thames River in south central England that is the capital of the county of Oxfordshire and site of the University of Oxford population 160,000

Oxfordian

äks-ˈfȯr-dē-ən 

adjective or noun