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.
Opt for Dream Pairs Loafers for a touch of hardware or Vionic Uptown Loafers for a sneaker-meets-flats construction. Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025 Keep it casual in sneakers, or wear it with suede ankle booties to the pumpkin patch. Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 Race day is sensory overload; a heaving throng in shorts and sneakers, in charity tops and fancy dress. George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025 Hundreds of fans lined up outside in the rain, hoping for a chance to get their hands on a pair of these signature sneakers — and maybe even meet Gilgeous-Alexander himself. Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 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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