oxford

noun

ox·​ford ˈäks-fərd How to pronounce oxford (audio)
1
: a low shoe laced or tied over the instep
2
: a soft durable cotton or synthetic fabric made in plain or basket weaves

called also oxford cloth

Examples of oxford in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White went more reserved, but still shined in his cream Saint Laurent suit, complete with subtle heeled oxfords. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2024 For a pair of unassuming footwear, oxfords are doing a lot. Isaiah Freeman-Schub, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2023 In the vast and murky landscape of lace-ups, oxfords occupy the most formal spot. Isaiah Freeman-Schub, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2023 On one outing in June, Swift paired lace-up oxfords, crew-length socks and a pleated blue skirt with an oversized light blue and white striped blouse, which appeared to be from The Row, the same brand Swift dons in her The Tortured Poets Department album cover. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 5 Feb. 2024 Technically, oxfords are defined by a closed lacing system, which means the shoe’s quarters (those side panels where the eyelets are) are sewn underneath the vamp (the large front portion that goes over your foot). Isaiah Freeman-Schub, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2023 Cole Haan: Save up to 60 percent off on boots, oxfords, comfortable sneakers, and more. Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Nov. 2023 And finally, Olivia Rodrigo (queen of late 1990s/early aughts references) styled her Doc Martens platform oxfords with cherry red ankle socks—a look worthy of consideration for any autumnal rotation. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2023 Like the 1460s, these oxfords have a lace-up design and the stiff, takes-time-to-wear-in leather that Dr. Martens is known for. Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 15 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oxford.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Oxford, England

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxford was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near oxford

Cite this Entry

“Oxford.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxford. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

oxford

noun
ox·​ford ˈäks-fərd How to pronounce oxford (audio)
1
: a low shoe laced over the middle of the foot
2

Geographical Definition

Oxford

geographical name

Ox·​ford ˈäks-fərd How to pronounce Oxford (audio)
variants or Medieval Latin Oxonia
city on the Thames River in south central England that is the capital of the county of Oxfordshire and site of the University of Oxford population 160,000
Oxfordian adjective or noun

More from Merriam-Webster on oxford

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