shoelace

noun

shoe·​lace ˈshü-ˌlās How to pronounce shoelace (audio)
: a lace or string for fastening a shoe

Examples of shoelace in a Sentence

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.
The natural materials here offer the same breathability as some of Allbirds’ other popular styles, but the ease of wear is taken to the next level thanks to the lack of shoelaces. Lauren Fischer, Travel + Leisure, 13 Nov. 2025 Rounding out the look, the shoe’s liner and shoelaces appear in white and it’s all capped off with a dark gray outsole. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025 Pleasant muzak played as Chalamet tied his shoelace and slipped water from an armchair, a poster for the A24 propped up behind him on an easel. Jack Dunn, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025 The sole is thin and flies under the radar, meaning your eyes stay put on the silver eyelets and adorable, adjustable shoelaces. Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shoelace

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoelace was circa 1647

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shoelace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoelace. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

shoelace

noun
shoe·​lace -ˌlās How to pronounce shoelace (audio)
: a lace or string for fastening a shoe

More from Merriam-Webster on shoelace

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!