footwear

noun

foot·​wear ˈfu̇t-ˌwer How to pronounce footwear (audio)
: wearing apparel (such as shoes or boots) for the feet

Examples of footwear in a Sentence

sneakers, loafers, and other casual footwear
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.
Glamour editors drew on recent footwear testing and the shoes that have stayed in their workwear rotations for multiple seasons, narrowing the list to pairs that have proved comfortable, versatile, and easy to style. — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2026 Other footwear styles like the Bryant Loafer, the Nia Ballet Flat, the Vinnie Slingback Wedge 50 and the Vander Sneaker are also seen in the campaign. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Although the couple was worried about damaging the tiles underfoot with such footwear as high heels, the Penha Longa Resort events team assured them that all surfaces were meant to be walked on. — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 Ariana Grande will take the stage in London tonight in comfortable footwear rather than her signature heels after sustaining a minor injury. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for footwear

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of footwear was in 1850

Rhymes for footwear

See All Rhymes for footwear

Browse Nearby Words

footway
footwear
footwell
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Footwear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footwear. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

footwear

noun
foot·​wear -ˌwa(ə)r How to pronounce footwear (audio)
-ˌwe(ə)r
: covering (as shoes) for the feet

More from Merriam-Webster on footwear

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about footwear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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