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.
So take this Prime Day deal as a sign to grab yourself a pair instead of summer sneakers that won’t hold up in November. Shalwah Evans, People.com, 7 July 2025 Nordstrom Cotton Poplin Tiered A-line Dress Best Women’s Shoe Deals Nordstrom slashed prices on summer shoes, including sandals, flats, and sneakers. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025 Pair it with sneakers for errands around town and jazz it up with kitten heels for an evening out. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2025 In addition to the screenings, eyeglasses, cellphones, hearing aids and sneakers were collected for recycling at the event. David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 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 11 Jul. 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!