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

In the careful selection of a pocket square, in the perfect dimple of a tie knot, in the deliberate shine of oxfords, these women continue a tradition of using style as both survival strategy and self-announcing act. —Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 12 May 2025

Classics—like a button-up or collared shirt, a structured cardigan or tailored blazer, and dress shoes or oxfords—are also a safe bet. —Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 7 May 2025

Accessorizing the look were a pair of dressy oxfords that AWGE made in collaboration with Christian Louboutin, along with jewelry pieces by Bvlgari. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 May 2025

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

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