shoe

1 of 2

noun

plural shoes
1
a
: an outer covering for the human foot typically having a thick or stiff sole with an attached heel and an upper part of lighter material (such as leather)
b
: a metal plate or rim for the hoof of an animal
2
: something resembling a shoe in function or placement
3
shoes plural : another's place, function, or viewpoint
steps from assistant stage manager into the star's shoesSteven Fuller
4
: a device that slows, stops, or controls the motion of an object
especially : the part of a brake that presses on the brake drum
5
a
: any of various devices that are inserted in or run along a track or groove to guide a movement, provide a contact or friction grip, or protect against wear, damage, or slipping
b
: a device (such as a clip or track) on a camera that permits attachment of an accessory item (such as a flash unit)
6
: a dealing box designed to hold several decks of playing cards
shoeless adjective

shoe

2 of 2

verb

shod ˈshäd How to pronounce shoe (audio) also shoed ˈshüd How to pronounce shoe (audio) ; shoeing ˈshü-iŋ How to pronounce shoe (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to furnish with a shoe
2
: to cover for protection, strength, or ornament

Examples of shoe in a Sentence

Noun She bought a pair of shoes. He took off his shoes and socks. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now. Anyone in her shoes would have done the same thing. Verb The blacksmith shod the horse. The horse was taken to be shod.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Rows of junked or used clothes line hangers, with a graveyard of dusty shoes collecting outside. Jonah Gercke, SPIN, 15 Mar. 2024 Holmes certainly nailed her approach to dressing in sync with head-turning shoes. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024 In the middle of an intense fight scene, a character makes sure to remove his shoes, a common Asian practice when entering a home. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 The lining is a super soft sheepskin and the outside has been treated with water repellant to help deter water and keep the shoes looking clean. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 13 Mar. 2024 While all its shoes bring something different to the table, the company hasn’t typically been seen as a luxury brand—even though some kicks have been deeply coveted. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 Slip-On Slipper Shoes $35.99 was $47.99 (Amazon) To make getting through security easier, these slipper shoes slide on and off with ease. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2024 Customers say each compartment is very sturdy and holds large items, such as four sweaters and multiple pairs of shoes. Bridget Degnan, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 The shoe runs true to size and comes in a number of fun colors, including a coral and papaya combo that perfectly complements a tropical climate and can liven up a more neutral colored outfit. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2024
Verb
Keep scrolling to shop more Stuart Weitzman shoes on sale at Rue La La now. Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 19 Dec. 2023 Chic Ballet Flats Maison Margiela leather Mary Jane shoes Margiela Mary Janes? Maia Torres, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2023 Other anvils are designed for farriers–men and women who shoe horses and do hoof-care. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 9 Aug. 2023 It’s already claimed the number spot on the site’s fashion waist packs new releases chart and is popular on the clothing, jewelry, and shoe new releases chart. Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 23 July 2023 Shop more Sam Edelman shoes for all your spring and summer style needs below. Buy It! Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 16 June 2023 His clock had been set that way, from decades spent shoeing horses at sunrise. Katie Engelhart, New York Times, 9 May 2023 Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant has worn Nike basketball shoes his entire career. Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2023 Losing a powerful asset like that is critical, regardless of who is shoed in to replace him. Dallas News, 26 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shoe.' 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

Noun

Middle English shoo, from Old English scōh; akin to Old High German scuoh shoe

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoe was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near shoe

Cite this Entry

“Shoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoe. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

shoe

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: an outer covering for the human foot usually having a thick and somewhat stiff sole and heel and a lighter upper part
2
plural : another's place or point of view
suppose you were in your friend's shoes
3
: the part of a brake that presses on the wheel of a vehicle

shoe

2 of 2 verb
shod ˈshäd How to pronounce shoe (audio) also shoed ˈshüd How to pronounce shoe (audio) ; shoeing ˈshü-iŋ How to pronounce shoe (audio)
: to put a shoe on : furnish with shoes
especially : to put a shoe or shoes on a horse

More from Merriam-Webster on shoe

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