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.
Women’s CrossCity Sneaker While famous for its athleisure apparel, Lululemon has quietly expanded into the realm of sneakers—and this lightweight pair strikes the perfect balance of stylish and comfortable for long days of sightseeing. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025 However, Bieber recently shared a first glimpse of a pair of Skylrk sneakers (mesh sneakers in blue and pink), which will hopefully be hitting the virtual shelves soon. Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025 Walmart has partnered with renowned collectible-sneaker retailer Stadium Goods to bring its customers a wider selection of premium, limited-edition sneakers from leading brands. Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 But while hiking shoes and sneakers might sound like the answer here, not every pair is, well, cute. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sneaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sneaker. Accessed 27 Oct. 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
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