shoe

noun
\ ˈshü How to pronounce shoe (audio) \

Definition of shoe

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : an outer covering for the human foot typically having a thick or stiff sole with an attached heel and an upper part of lighter material (such as leather)
b : a metal plate or rim for the hoof of an animal
2 : something resembling a shoe in function or placement
3 shoes plural : another's place, function, or viewpoint steps from assistant stage manager into the star's shoes— Steven Fuller
4 : a device that retards, stops, or controls the motion of an object especially : the part of a brake that presses on the brake drum
5a : any of various devices that are inserted in or run along a track or groove to guide a movement, provide a contact or friction grip, or protect against wear, damage, or slipping
b : a device (such as a clip or track) on a camera that permits attachment of an accessory item (such as a flash unit)
6 : a dealing box designed to hold several decks of playing cards

shoe

verb
shod\ ˈshäd How to pronounce shod (audio) \ also shoed\ ˈshüd How to pronounce shoed (audio) \; shoeing\ ˈshü-​iŋ How to pronounce shoeing (audio) \

Definition of shoe (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to furnish with a shoe
2 : to cover for protection, strength, or ornament

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Other Words from shoe

Noun

shoeless adjective

Examples of shoe in a Sentence

Noun

She bought a pair of shoes. He took off his shoes and socks. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now. Anyone in her shoes would have done the same thing.

Verb

The blacksmith shod the horse. The horse was taken to be shod.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Quentin Harris has some big shoes to fill, but the fifth-year senior has Cutcliffe's full confidence. Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, "Alabama vs. Duke 2019 live stream; time, TV channel, odds, watch online," 31 Aug. 2019 The redshirt sophomore will have big shoes to fill after Trace McSorely. Si Wire, SI.com, "Idaho vs. Penn State Live Stream: How to Watch Online, TV Channel, Game Time," 31 Aug. 2019 Overall, the 15% September and December tariffs will force Americans to pay an extra $4 billion a year for shoes and boots, according to a footwear trade group. Washington Post, "‘They’re on,’ Trump says of tariffs set to kick in on Sunday," 31 Aug. 2019 There are shoes to fill after the departures of quarterback Tom Stewart and top receivers Adam Scott, Henry Taylor, and Justice Shelton-Mosley. Jenna Ciccotelli, BostonGlobe.com, "From AIC to Yale, a quick look at New England college football," 29 Aug. 2019 On Sunday, the first ladies wear white, and black shoes. Annalisa Merelli, Quartz, "For Women’s Equality Day, this charming video of world leaders’ wives shows we’re not there yet," 26 Aug. 2019 No new coach will have bigger shoes to fill than Rolle. Christian Simmons, sun-sentinel.com, "Quite a handful: Five new Palm Beach County coaches aim to bring past high school football state champs back to glory," 22 Aug. 2019 Bowlers pay for shoes and by-the-hour alley rates at Bowlero's front counter, which is backed by vintage photos and the painted back glass of a 1970 Strike Zone pinball machine. John Monaghan, Freep.com, "Royal Oak bowling alley's $1.4M vintage overhaul is a 'feast for the eyes'," 22 Aug. 2019 Murkowski, wearing a sleeveless dress and comfortable shoes, wants everyone to keep their cool. Marc Lester, Anchorage Daily News, "A day in the life of a United States senator: Lisa Murkowski," 18 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Her feather and crystal veil by Jennifer Behr was the perfect accessory alongside her Vera Wang shoes. Alexandra Macon, Vogue, "Alex Prager Chased Waterfalls and Wore Vintage at Her Countryside Wedding in Ireland," 25 Sep. 2018 Basquiat made two exits, sporting gray suits with black Mary Jane shoes each time. Brooke Bobb, Vogue, "If You’ve Got $20,000 to Spare, You Can Own Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Favorite Comme des Garçons Coat," 2 Nov. 2018 Mennonite men outside the auction did the hard work of shoeing the arabbers’ ponies and filing their back teeth on a blazingly hot afternoon. David Mcfadden, The Seattle Times, "Ties between urban horsemen, Mennonites bolster old trade," 4 Sep. 2018 But the decision as to which shoes a heroine will wear lies with the director. April Wolfe, chicagotribune.com, "The tortured history of action-film heroines and their high heels ('Jurassic World,' anyone?)," 22 June 2018 Giro’s insanely reflective Empire ACC shoes all but eliminate that problem. Nick Davidson, Outside Online, "8 Pieces of Bike Gear to Keep You Safe on Your Commute," 23 May 2018 Princess Charlotte wore her the Little Alice London dress with an Amaia Kids navy cardigan and Mary Jane shoes from the same brand that also retail for less than $65. Lyndsey Matthews, Town & Country, "Princess Charlotte's Adorable Blue Dress Is Already Sold Out," 23 Apr. 2018 So even though gamers might not need performance shoes the way athletes in other sports do, creating one is still a savvy marketing move by K-Swiss. Cam Wolf, GQ, "K-Swiss Wants to Sell You Shoes to Play Video Games In," 10 May 2018 The Ossie Clark shoes from 1971 are my favorite — ivy green with ivy leaves going up the leg. New York Times, "Now on Tour: Shoes and Sketches by Manolo Blahnik," 8 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shoe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of shoe

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for shoe

Noun

Middle English shoo, from Old English scōh; akin to Old High German scuoh shoe

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More Definitions for shoe

shoe

noun

English Language Learners Definition of shoe

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: an outer covering for your foot that usually has a stiff bottom part called a sole with a thicker part called a heel attached to it and an upper part that covers part or all of the top of your foot
: another person's situation or position
: a flat U-shaped piece of iron that is nailed to the bottom of a horse's hoof

shoe

verb

English Language Learners Definition of shoe (Entry 2 of 2)

: to put a horseshoe on (a horse)

shoe

noun
\ ˈshü How to pronounce shoe (audio) \

Kids Definition of shoe

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an outer covering for the human foot usually having a thick and somewhat stiff sole and heel and a lighter upper part