sneaker

noun

sneak·​er ˈsnē-kər How to pronounce sneaker (audio)
1
: one that sneaks
2
: a sports shoe with a pliable rubber sole
sneakered adjective

Examples of sneaker in a Sentence

she's such a sneaker I wouldn't trust her any farther than I could throw her
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.
And only his fans have been shelling out for $TRUMP or Trump sneakers, or sending fifty-dollar campaign donations that get diverted to pay his legal fees. David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2025 His daughter looked sporty chic in a pair of cream joggers, a black T-shirt and basketball sneakers. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 11 Aug. 2025 For Thursday’s dinner, the style assignment meant sneakers, Fear of God pants, and a beige Balmain emblem polo shirt. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 8 Aug. 2025 The white leather sneakers are also a stellar footwear option. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sneaker

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sneaker was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sneaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sneaker. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

sneaker

noun
sneak·​er ˈsnē-kər How to pronounce sneaker (audio)
1
: one that sneaks
2
: a sports shoe (as of canvas) with a rubber sole
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!