shoelace

noun

shoe·​lace ˈshü-ˌlās How to pronounce shoelace (audio)
: a lace or string for fastening a shoe

Examples of shoelace 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.
Remove the shoelaces and any inserts, then put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 June 2026 The singer decorated her and her dancers’ shoes with yellow shoelaces that matched her socks and her ensemble. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 10 June 2026 Not a bad situation for a guy who is essentially starting the sprint with his shoelaces tied together. — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 12 May 2026 Two paramedics who happened to be on board helped out, borrowing blankets from other passengers and using a shoelace to tie off the umbilical cord. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for shoelace

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoelace was circa 1647

Rhymes for shoelace

See All Rhymes for shoelace

Browse Nearby Words

shoeingsmith
shoelace
shoe-leather
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

shoelace

noun
shoe·​lace -ˌlās How to pronounce shoelace (audio)
: a lace or string for fastening a shoe

More from Merriam-Webster on shoelace

Nglish: Translation of shoelace for Spanish Speakers

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