sneaker

sneaker — noun

1. A casual shoe, usually made of canvas or soft material with a rubber bottom, wor

1.nounB1
Definition

A casual shoe, usually made of canvas or soft material with a rubber bottom, worn for sports, exercise, or everyday activities

Example

Baraka tied his sneakers and went for a run in the park.

The children wore old sneakers to play in the muddy garden.

used for play or outdoor activities

Common collocations
  • a pair of sneakers
  • wear sneakers
  • buy sneakers
  • new / old / white / black sneakers
  • sneakers for [walking / running / the gym]
  • lace up sneakers
Synonyms
  • trainers

    The standard British English term for the same type of shoe

  • athletic shoes

    More formal or commercial; often used in stores and product descriptions

  • running shoes

    A specific subtype designed for running, not for general casual wear

  • tennis shoes

    An older American term, now less common than sneakers

Antonyms
  • dress shoes

    Formal footwear worn with suits or smart attire

  • boots

    Heavy footwear covering the ankle, for hiking or cold weather

Usage Note

This word is most commonly used in the plural form (sneakers), because shoes come in pairs. A single shoe can be called 'a sneaker' when needed. In British English, the equivalent word is trainers.

Common Mistakes

I need a new sneaker.' (when buying a pair)
I need new sneakers.
Sneakers is almost always used in the plural because they come in pairs.
She wore sneakers to the formal dinner.
She wore dress shoes to the formal dinner.
Sneakers are too casual for formal occasions.

Word family

  • sneak
    verbB2
  • sneaky
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Sneakers (the standard American English term) and trainers (the standard British English term) refer to the same general type of casual rubber-soled shoe. Athletic shoes is a more formal, umbrella term often used in stores and product descriptions. Running shoes are a specific subcategory designed with extra cushioning and support for forward motion — not all sneakers are suitable for running. Tennis shoes is an older American term from the early 20th century that some older speakers still use. For example: 'He bought new sneakers for daily wear at college,' but 'She needs proper running shoes, not just fashion sneakers, for her marathon training.'

sneakerstrainersathletic shoesrunning shoestennis shoes

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • a pair of sneakers

Prepositions

Etymology

English

The word sneaker comes from the verb sneak, meaning 'to move quietly,' because the rubber soles of these shoes make almost no sound when walking — unlike traditional leather shoes. The term was first used in the United States around 1895.