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.
Style it with sneakers and a baseball cap for daytime or sandals and a tote for vacation-ready ease. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025 Owens once mused that he’ll probably be remembered for droopy shorts, long T-shirts and funky sneakers — among menswear designs enthusiastically embraced by hype beasts and tech entrepreneurs. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 25 June 2025 Her eldest son, August, 18, wore jeans and a striped shirt, while her youngest son, Andrew, 13, was dressed in an all-black outfit and pink sneakers. Kayla Grant, People.com, 24 June 2025 The brand also bowed Air Force 1 High and Air Force 1 Low sneakers. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 June 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 30 Jun. 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!