Sneaker - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT sneaker /ˈsnikər/ /ˈsnikə/ IPA guide

Other forms: sneakers

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.

Definitions of sneaker

noun a canvas shoe with a pliable rubber sole synonyms: gym shoe, tennis shoe see moresee less types: plimsoll a light gym shoe with a rubber sole and a canvas top type of: shoe footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material
noun someone acting as an informer or decoy for the police synonyms: canary, fink, sneak, snitch, snitcher, stool pigeon, stoolie, stoolpigeon see moresee less type of: betrayer, blabber, informer, rat, squealer one who reveals confidential information in return for money

Pronunciation US /ˈsnikər/ UK /ˈsnikə/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘sneaker'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing sneaker

"On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins "Going Green with Cameron Diaz"

Learn these words from the interview (Inside: Level B, Unit 8). Here are our links to the selections of "Global Warnings": Handle with Care, Going Green with Cameron Diaz, Melting Away; Plant a Tree, The Legend of the Yakwawiak, Possum Crossing, The Tyger, Grand Canyon Speech Here are our links to the units of Level B: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4, Unit 5, Unit 6, Unit 7, Unit 8 Here are our links to the Inside books: Level A, Level B, Level C Here is our link to a list of academic vocabulary for Inside: Academic Vocabulary

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