ballet flat

noun

plural ballet flats
1
: a slip-on shoe having a very low flat heel or no heel and resembling a ballet slipper
Ballet flats are elegant and minimalist, but that doesn't mean they're boring. A classic leather ballet flat is a must-have component of any capsule wardrobe …—Morgan Halberg
2
: ballet slipper sense 1
Downstairs, in the young women's class, the only break that students have is for changing from ballet flats into toe shoes before taking up positions at the bar.—Ann Geracimos

Examples of ballet flat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are waterproof Sorel boots for rainy-day exploring, classic Adidas sneakers for casual outfits, and plenty of polished options, from slingback flats and ballet flats to easy slip-on loafers. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2026 In partnership with Repetto, The Plaza pastry chefs curated an exclusive lineup of pastries and confections which translate the ballet flat brand’s aesthetic into blush hues, velvet textures and delicate sugar ribbon details. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 Celebrity partnerships, a TikTok shop integration and new styles such as ballet flats are fueling rapid demand for Crocs among Gen Z consumers, especially in key global markets like China. — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 Who knew fall’s hottest shoe trend would be a ballet flat-sneaker hybrid? — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ballet flat

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ballet flat was in 1936

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ballet flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballet%20flat. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster