galosh

noun

ga·​losh gə-ˈläsh How to pronounce galosh (audio)
1
obsolete : a shoe with a heavy sole
2
: a high overshoe worn especially in snow and slush
galoshed
gə-ˈläsht How to pronounce galosh (audio)
adjective

Examples of galosh 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.
The onslaught of rain and snow may have the world reaching for their galoshes, but not Rihanna. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2019 The brand somehow created a hybrid sneaker, boot and galosh with a few mountain bike chromosomes thrown in. — Isaiah Freeman-Schub, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2023 The Horns are packing up their galoshes and heading to wintry Dayton for the second straight year. — Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 16 Mar. 2026 Lawrence and Season Lee were marching on a highway with their 3-year-old daughter, who tottered along in pink galoshes. — Austin Ramzy, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2019 With a downpour of criticism underway, the Bears have their umbrellas and galoshes ready. — Rich Campbell, chicagotribune.com, 22 Oct. 2019 Volunteers should dress to get wet and muddy and wear galoshes, wading boots or something to keep their feet warm and dry, according to a social media post for the event. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025 Footwear Winter footwear includes boots of all kinds—galoshes, hiking boots, moccasins, snow shoes, and everything in between. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026 Made of 100% rubber with thick outsoles and a multidirectional tread pattern, these classic galoshes not only keep water out but also help prevent slips and hydroplaning. — Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English galoche "kind of sandal or clog with a wooden sole held to the foot with leather thongs," borrowed from Anglo-French & Middle French, borrowed from Old Occitan galocha, perhaps going back to Gallo-Romance *caloctium, borrowed from Greek of Massalia (Marseille) *kalóchtion, altered from *kalórtion, from Greek kâlon "wood, timber" (of uncertain origin) + -ortion, compound form (as in Middle Greek cheirórtion "glove," podórtion "gaiter") of Greek artḗr "kind of shoe," probably derivative of aeírein "to bind" with -tēr, instrument suffix — more at artery

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of galosh was in the 14th century

Rhymes for galosh

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Browse Nearby Words

galore
galosh
galoubet
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Cite this Entry

“Galosh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galosh. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

galosh

noun
ga·​losh ˈgə-ˈläsh How to pronounce galosh (audio)
: a high overshoe worn especially in snow and slush
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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