sneaker
sneaker Lexical Profile
sneaker Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A soft, casual shoe worn for sports or everyday use, typically featuring a canvas or leather upper and a flexible rubber sole.
"She tied the laces of her sneakers before heading out for a morning jog around the park."
A person or thing that acts in a stealthy, furtive, or underhanded manner.
"The security guards kept a close watch to ensure no night sneaker could slip past the estate's gates."
Word Nuance & Usage
In North American English, 'sneaker' is the standard term for a casual athletic shoe, whereas British English typically uses 'trainer' and Australian English often uses 'runner'.
• Rhymes for sneaker
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century (circa 1895) by an advertising agent because the shoe's flexible rubber sole allowed the wearer to walk noiselessly, or 'sneak', unlike traditional hard-leather shoes.