Home / Dictionary / Shoe

Shoe Very Common

Shoe has 8 different meanings across 3 categories:

Noun · Verb · Proper Noun

Definitions
Noun
1

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

"I need to run to the store for a new pair of shoes because my old ones are completely worn out."

2

(card games) a case from which playing cards are dealt one at a time

"The dealer reached into his shoe to pull out the next card for everyone in the circle."

3

U-shaped plate nailed to underside of horse's hoof

"The farrier carefully hammered a new horseshoe onto the mare's front hooves before she trotted away."

4

a restraint provided when the brake linings are moved hydraulically against the brake drum to retard the wheel's rotation

"The mechanic explained that the shoe was doing its job by pressing hard against the drum to stop the truck from rolling down the hill."

5

A protective covering for the foot, with a bottom part composed of thick leather or plastic sole and often a thicker heel, and a softer upper part made of leather or synthetic material. Shoes generally do not extend above the ankle, as opposed to boots, which do.

"She polished her new leather shoes before heading out for dinner."

In plain English: A shoe is a covering you put on your foot to protect it and help you walk.

"I left my shoe on the bus this morning."

Verb
1

furnish with shoes

"the children were well shoed"

2

To put shoes on one's feet.

"I need to stop and shoe my running shoes before I head out for the morning jog."

In plain English: To shoe means to put shoes on someone's feet or to fit a horse with horseshoes.

"He decided to shoe his horse before the long ride."

Usage: Use this verb to describe the action of putting footwear onto your own or someone else's feet, often followed by an object like "on." It is distinct from similar terms because it specifically refers to donning protective coverings for walking rather than general dressing.

Proper Noun
1

A surname​.

"The local bakery is owned by Mr. Shoe, who has been running it for three generations."

Example Sentences
"I left my shoe on the bus this morning." noun
"I need to tie my shoe before I can run outside." noun
"She lost one of her favorite shoes in the hallway." noun
"The store offers free repair services for any broken shoe heel." noun
"He decided to shoe his horse before the long ride." verb
See Also
foot sock footwear feet polish covering clothing foot covering
Related Terms
foot sock footwear feet polish covering clothing foot covering wear sole on foot laces shoemaker foot wear socks cleat sandal leather size over
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
footwear case plate restraint dress
Narrower Terms (hyponyms)
anklet baby shoe balmoral blucher bowling shoe brogan calceus chopine chukka cleats congress boot flipper gaiter ghillie gym shoe Loafer moccasin oxford pump running shoe sabot sandal slingback walker walking shoe wedgie wing tip

Origin

The word "shoe" comes from the Old English sċōh, which likely derives from a root meaning "to move quickly or jump." Although other loanwords for footwear entered English during the Middle Ages, this native Germanic term remained in common use.

Rhyming Words
hoe choe kehoe cohoe tahoe mahoe reshoe beshoe oxshoe yukhoe unshoe gumshoe prudhoe backhoe ivanhoe tie shoe toe shoe bug shoe slipshoe gym shoe
Compare
Shoe vs