plural shoes
1
a
: an outer covering for the human foot typically having a thick or stiff sole with an attached heel and an upper part of lighter material (such as leather)
b
: a metal plate or rim for the hoof of an animal
2
: something resembling a shoe in function or placement
3
shoes plural
: another's place, function, or viewpoint
steps from assistant stage manager into the star's shoes—
Steven Fuller
Steven Fuller4
: a device that slows, stops, or controls the motion of an object
especially
: the part of a brake that presses on the brake drum
5
a
: any of various devices that are inserted in or run along a track or groove to guide a movement, provide a contact or friction grip, or protect against wear, damage, or slipping
b
: a device (such as a clip or track) on a camera that permits attachment of an accessory item (such as a flash unit)
6
: a dealing box designed to hold several decks of playing cards
shoeless
adjective
Synonyms
Examples of shoe in a Sentence
Noun
She bought a pair of shoes.
He took off his shoes and socks.
I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now.
Anyone in her shoes would have done the same thing.
Verb
The blacksmith shod the horse.
The horse was taken to be shod.
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Recent Examples on the WebEmma Spedding, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2023
That’s because these are all-day walking shoes with memory foam insoles and EVA/rubber soles.
—Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2023
Lawrence wore a pair with ankle socks and a denim midi skirt during Paris Fashion Week, and Hadid and Kaia Gerber have previously worn the shoes with socks, too.
—Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2023
At $140 a pop, the shoes are a lot more affordable than a six-figure Jacob & Co. creation, too.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2023
His former students, now professors themselves, told me stories about his polished shoes and his collection of Charlie Brown comics.
—Eren Orbey, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023
For even more apparel discounts, check out our list of the best Black Friday clothing and shoe deals.
—Bellamy Richardson, wsj.com, 20 Nov. 2023
The cozy shoes are made out of 100% wool but are still breathable for all-day wear, and feature sturdy foam soles for stepping out of the house.
—Anna Tingley, Variety, 20 Nov. 2023
Heyward said the audience could not get enough of his bright-red shoes.
—Sydney Haywood, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2023
Maia Torres, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2023
Other anvils are designed for farriers–men and women who shoe horses and do hoof-care.
—Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 9 Aug. 2023
It’s already claimed the number spot on the site’s fashion waist packs new releases chart and is popular on the clothing, jewelry, and shoe new releases chart.
—Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 23 July 2023
Shop more Sam Edelman shoes for all your spring and summer style needs below. Buy It!
—Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 16 June 2023
His clock had been set that way, from decades spent shoeing horses at sunrise.
—Katie Engelhart, New York Times, 9 May 2023
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant has worn Nike basketball shoes his entire career.
—Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2023
Losing a powerful asset like that is critical, regardless of who is shoed in to replace him.
—Dallas News, 26 Feb. 2023
The royal men tend to be pretty close-lipped about their footwear choices (John Lobb is rumored to shoe many of the royal gents, but does not confirm their client list) but this pair of Black Cashmere Slippers from Arthur Sleep has been one of Prince William's go-to looks for formal events.
—Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 7 Nov. 2022
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Noun
However Kravitz made one addition which pushed it in a more playful direction: a pair of punchy purple satin flat shoes that looked like indulgent smoking slippers popping through her trouser hems.
—Emma Spedding, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2023
That’s because these are all-day walking shoes with memory foam insoles and EVA/rubber soles.
—Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2023
Lawrence wore a pair with ankle socks and a denim midi skirt during Paris Fashion Week, and Hadid and Kaia Gerber have previously worn the shoes with socks, too.
—Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2023
At $140 a pop, the shoes are a lot more affordable than a six-figure Jacob & Co. creation, too.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2023
His former students, now professors themselves, told me stories about his polished shoes and his collection of Charlie Brown comics.
—Eren Orbey, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023
For even more apparel discounts, check out our list of the best Black Friday clothing and shoe deals.
—Bellamy Richardson, wsj.com, 20 Nov. 2023
The cozy shoes are made out of 100% wool but are still breathable for all-day wear, and feature sturdy foam soles for stepping out of the house.
—Anna Tingley, Variety, 20 Nov. 2023
Heyward said the audience could not get enough of his bright-red shoes.
—Sydney Haywood, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2023
Verb
Chic Ballet Flats Maison Margiela leather Mary Jane shoes
Margiela Mary Janes?
—Maia Torres, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2023
Other anvils are designed for farriers–men and women who shoe horses and do hoof-care.
—Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 9 Aug. 2023
It’s already claimed the number spot on the site’s fashion waist packs new releases chart and is popular on the clothing, jewelry, and shoe new releases chart.
—Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 23 July 2023
Shop more Sam Edelman shoes for all your spring and summer style needs below. Buy It!
—Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 16 June 2023
His clock had been set that way, from decades spent shoeing horses at sunrise.
—Katie Engelhart, New York Times, 9 May 2023
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant has worn Nike basketball shoes his entire career.
—Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2023
Losing a powerful asset like that is critical, regardless of who is shoed in to replace him.
—Dallas News, 26 Feb. 2023
The royal men tend to be pretty close-lipped about their footwear choices (John Lobb is rumored to shoe many of the royal gents, but does not confirm their client list) but this pair of Black Cashmere Slippers from Arthur Sleep has been one of Prince William's go-to looks for formal events.
—Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 7 Nov. 2022
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shoe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English shoo, from Old English scōh; akin to Old High German scuoh shoe
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of shoe was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing shoe
Articles Related to shoe
Dictionary Entries Near shoe
Cite this Entry
“Shoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoe. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
shoe
1 of 2 noun1
a
: an outer covering for the human foot usually having a thick and somewhat stiff sole and heel and a lighter upper part
2
plural
: another's place or point of view
suppose you were in your friend's shoes
3
: the part of a brake that presses on the wheel of a vehicle
More from Merriam-Webster on shoe
Nglish: Translation of shoe for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of shoe for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shoe
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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