plimsoll

Or plim·sol,

[plim-suhl, -sohl]

noun

British.

1. a canvas shoe with a rubber sole; gym shoe; sneaker.

plimsoll

/ ˈplɪmsəl /

noun

1. Also called: gym shoe.  sandshoe. a light rubber-soled canvas shoe worn for various sports

Word History and Origins

Origin of plimsoll¹

First recorded in 1905–10; perhaps so called from fancied resemblance of the sole to a Plimsoll mark

Word History and Origins

Origin of plimsoll¹

C20: so called because of the resemblance of the rubber sole to a Plimsoll line

Example Sentences

"Families couldn't afford to replace them," she says, adding children had no choice but to wear black plimsolls, but "unsympathetic" schools would send them home.

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But oh, the lightness and pleasure of Lily and Ruth, their keen companionship over tea and toast, quick trips to the seaside, plimsolls by the door.

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"After 10 years of investigating, all they had to show was a plimsoll and cagoule that everyone wore," he said.

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Goods branded with the mouthless cartoon adorned with a trademark hair bow are sold in 130 countries worldwide, with the range extending from prosecco to plimsolls.

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Only later, he reveals, did he discover that he had broken two ribs and a bone in his ankle after his plimsolls got stuck in the stirrups.

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