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Definition of footwear

footwear

/ˈfʊt.wɛr/
foot · wear

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footwear Lexical Profile

footwear Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Outer coverings for the feet, such as shoes, boots, sandals, and slippers, designed for protection, comfort, or fashion.

Example

"Guests are politely requested to remove their outdoor footwear before entering the temple."

Word Nuance & Usage

As an uncountable mass noun, 'footwear' does not take a plural 's'; when referring to individual items, one must use phrases like 'a piece of footwear' or 'pairs of footwear'.

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century (circa 1880) as a compound of 'foot' and 'wear' to collectively describe shoes, boots, and similar items, especially in manufacturing and retail contexts.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Footwear. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/footwear
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