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Definition of sneaker

sneaker

/ˈsniːkər/
sneak · er

Plural:sneakers
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sneaker Lexical Profile

sneaker Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A soft, casual shoe worn for sports or everyday use, typically featuring a canvas or leather upper and a flexible rubber sole.

Example

"She tied the laces of her sneakers before heading out for a morning jog around the park."


2

A person or thing that acts in a stealthy, furtive, or underhanded manner.

Example

"The security guards kept a close watch to ensure no night sneaker could slip past the estate's gates."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sneaker

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

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.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sneaker. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sneaker
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