loafer

noun

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

Synonyms of loafer

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
Soft loafers are also resonating for their lightweight, flexible construction and polished look without sacrificing comfort. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026 Wear it with kitten heels for dinner, then sub in loafers for the office. — Taylor Jean Stephan, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 Pair it with wide-leg trousers, a leather belt, and loafers for a go-to office look, or style it with a mini skirt, tights, and ballet flats for an evening out. — Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026 Now nearly $100 off, these loafers are another pick that will pair nicely with practically anything in your closet. — Natalie Labarbera, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing loafer

Rhymes for loafer

See All Rhymes for loafer

Browse Nearby Words

loaf cheese
loafer
loaferish
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loafer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loafer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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
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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All