# sneaker

/ˈsnikɝ/ (US) · /snˈiːkɐ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sneaker
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a soft shoe with a rubber sole that people wear for sports or casual activities.

For teachers: a soft-soled shoe designed for athletic or casual wear, typically constructed from canvas or synthetic materials with a rubber base.

## Examples

- I need to buy a new pair of sneakers for the gym.
- He wore white sneakers with his suit to give the outfit a more relaxed and modern look.
- The rise of streetwear has transformed the sneaker from a functional piece of athletic equipment into a high-fashion status symbol often sold at significant markups on the secondary market.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the plural; often referred to as 'trainers' in British English.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.