Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of sneaker
Explanation
Athletic or casual rubber-soled shoes are called sneakers. Before you walk your neighbor's Great Dane, you'll have to take off your work shoes and put on your sneakers. You can also call sneakers tennis shoes, kicks, or running shoes, and if you're in Britain, you can call them trainers or plimsolls. Sneakers are made for exercise and sports, but they're also very popular everyday shoes because they're so comfortable. Sneaker, which is most common in the Northeast US, comes from their noiseless rubber soles, perfect for sneaking. Originally, they were called sneaks.
Vocabulary lists containing sneaker
"On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Going Green with Cameron Diaz"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
By the time the sneaker giants came to their senses, they had already ceded that prime real estate to the unfamiliar, funny-looking products that have invaded our closets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026
Founded in Massachusetts in the early 1900s, the popularity of Converse has skyrocketed since its Chuck Taylor sneaker was first introduced to US basketball courts in 1917.
From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2026
Peacock acknowledged the sneaker brand’s apology, but added that “must come with accountability.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026
Just three years ago, Kioshi employed nearly 120 people and produced 40,000 pairs of sneaker and flip-flops a month in the south of Buenos Aires.
From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026
Alma tapped his leg with her sneaker, but Clayton only turned his head to the other side.
From "Clayton Byrd Goes Underground" by Rita Williams-Garcia
Nike has been trying to sell off casual throwback sneakers, like Dunks and Air Force 1s, that have fallen out of style.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 1, 2026
On Topsports’ store on a popular online retailer, discounted Nike basketball sneakers sell for under $50.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026
Beyond training, hip Chinese people wear tennis skirts and high-end running sneakers as fashion statements.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026
Nike, and some retailers, have also cited the popularity of running sneakers like the Vomero and the Pegasus.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026
His scuffed-up sneakers pound the ground, and his tattered shirt is drenched in sweat.
From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
