lace-up

[leys-uhp]

noun

1. anything that laces up, especially a boot with shoelaces that lace up from the vamp to the top of the boot.

adjective

1. having a lace that is laced up as a closure.

   a lace-up blouse.

lace up

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to tighten or fasten (clothes or footwear) with laces

adjective

1. (of footwear) to be fastened with laces

noun

1. a lace-up shoe or boot

Word History and Origins

Origin of lace-up¹

First recorded in 1830–40; noun and adj. use of verb phrase lace up

Example Sentences

She also demanded a pair of silver-heeled shoes like the ones Lady Constance had worn earlier, but there were none in her closet; all she had were her usual sturdy lace-up boots and her party shoes from the previous Christmas, which she had already outgrown.

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Her living room walls are lined with old-timey lace-up heels that she says were only ever worn by Bette Midler, as she was the only actor with feet small enough to wear them.

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From her Swarovski-adorned custom Armani Privé strapless gown at the Golden Globe Awards to her lace-up navy Schiaparelli corset dress at the Critics Choice Awards, Moore has ruled awards season thus far.

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A Zana Bayne piece feels structural to the point of sculptural — a leather crystal-studded corset flaring with hip ruffles that unfold like an accordion; a lace-up corset eyelet skirt that creates a soft, voluptuous curve line away from the body.

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The idea that a pantsuit, or a skirt suit, or a dress may not look “presidential” blatantly defines “presidential” as a man wearing a dark suit, a white or blue shirt, a red or blue tie and black or brown lace-up shoes.

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