shoelace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighInformal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “shoelace” mean?
A long, narrow cord or string, typically made of fabric or leather, used to fasten a shoe by threading it through eyelets or loops.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long, narrow cord or string, typically made of fabric or leather, used to fasten a shoe by threading it through eyelets or loops.
Any cord or string functionally analogous to a shoelace, used for fastening or tying, such as on boots, skates, or certain garments; also used metaphorically to represent a fundamental or easily overlooked component.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the word 'shoelace' is standard. In American English, 'shoelace' is also standard, though 'shoestring' is a common informal synonym, especially when referring to the item or in idioms (e.g., 'on a shoestring budget'). 'Shoestring' is less common in UK usage for the literal object.
Connotations
'Shoelace' is neutral. 'Shoestring' (AmE) can carry connotations of minimalism or frugality due to its idiomatic use.
Frequency
'Shoelace' is the most frequent term in both dialects for the literal object. 'Shoestring' is significantly less frequent in British English for the literal meaning.
Grammar
How to Use “shoelace” in a Sentence
VERB + shoelace (tie, untie, pull, break, replace)ADJECTIVE + shoelace (loose, tight, broken, frayed)PREPOSITION + shoelace (with a shoelace, by the shoelace)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shoelace” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I need to shoelace my trainers properly before football.
- He carefully shoelaced his walking boots for the hike.
American English
- Make sure you shoelace your sneakers tightly for the game.
- She quickly shoelaced her ice skates.
adverb
British English
- He tied it shoelace-tight.
- The package was secured shoelace-style.
American English
- She wrapped the cord shoelace-firm around the posts.
- Bind it shoelace-quick.
adjective
British English
- The shoelace trim on the hoodie was a unique design feature.
- He was in a shoelace predicament when both laces snapped.
American English
- They offer a shoelace replacement service at the shoe repair shop.
- It was a classic shoelace dilemma right before the race.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in idiomatic use ('shoestring budget') or in retail/fashion contexts describing product features.
Academic
Rare, only in descriptive contexts within design, ergonomics, or historical studies of clothing.
Everyday
Very common. A fundamental term related to daily dressing and clothing maintenance.
Technical
Used in manufacturing (footwear industry), orthopedics (lace-up braces), and sports equipment design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shoelace”
- Misspelling as two words ('shoe lace') or hyphenated ('shoe-lace') – standard is one word.
- Pronouncing as /ʃuːlæs/ instead of /ʃuːleɪs/.
- Using 'laces' as a singular (e.g., 'My shoelaces is untied' – should be 'My shoelace is' or 'My shoelaces are').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, compound word: 'shoelace'. While historically it may have been hyphenated ('shoe-lace'), the modern standard is one word.
In literal meaning, they are synonyms, though 'shoelace' is more universally common. 'Shoestring' is more frequent in American English and is the preferred term in the idiom 'on a shoestring budget', meaning with very little money.
While 'lace' is the standard verb (e.g., 'lace up your shoes'), 'shoelace' is occasionally used informally as a verb, particularly in instructional contexts or creative writing, meaning to thread or fasten with a shoelace. It is not considered standard formal usage.
Yes. The pronunciation is effectively identical in both major dialects: /ˈʃuːleɪs/. The first syllable rhymes with 'shoe', and the second with 'face'.
A long, narrow cord or string, typically made of fabric or leather, used to fasten a shoe by threading it through eyelets or loops.
Shoelace is usually informal to neutral in register.
Shoelace: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃuːleɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃuːleɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tied to one's mother's apron strings (not directly related but uses string metaphor)”
- “On a shoestring budget”
- “The shoestring is broken (rare, literal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a race where your shoes need to be tightly secured: a SHOE-LACE helps you win the RACE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONNECTION or FASTENING (e.g., 'ties the agreement together'); A WEAK LINK or VULNERABILITY (e.g., 'the plan's only shoelace').
Practice
Quiz
In American English, which synonym for 'shoelace' is commonly used in an idiom about a small budget?