loafer

noun

loaf·​er ˈlō-fər How to pronounce loafer (audio)
1
: one that loafs : idler
2
: a low step-in shoe

Examples of loafer in a Sentence

an incorrigible loafer who never accomplished anything
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.
Stay close to the leaders and lifters and move away from the loafers and leeches. Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 The run of shoes also included loafers in a variety of styles, from embroidered to velvet and suede, as well as slingback heels, stiletto pumps with a pointed toe, and espadrille sneakers. Fn Staff, Footwear News, 28 May 2025 The actor was spotted in a black T-shirt and light-wash straight-leg jeans, worn with simple black loafers and socks, and a vintage-style brown suede jacket. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 28 May 2025 This year, film directors Alice Rohrwacher and Molly Manning Walker wore Prada loafers onto the Croisette, while actor Llúcia Garcia arrived in black leather lace-up ballet flats. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for loafer

Word History

Etymology

perhaps short for landloafer, from German Landläufer tramp, from Land + Läufer runner

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loafer was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loafer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loafer. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

loafer

noun
loaf·​er ˈlō-fər How to pronounce loafer (audio)
1
: a person who loafs
2
: a low shoe with no laces

More from Merriam-Webster on loafer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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