lace-up

[ leys-uhp ]

noun

1. anything that laces up, especially a boot with shoelaces that lace up from the vamp to the top of the boot.

adjective

1. having a lace that is laced up as a closure:

   a lace-up blouse.

lace up

verb

1. tr, adverb to tighten or fasten (clothes or footwear) with laces

adjective

1. (of footwear) to be fastened with laces

noun

1. a lace-up shoe or boot

Word History and Origins

Origin of lace-up¹

First recorded in 1830–40; noun and adj. use of verb phrase lace up

Example Sentences

A Zana Bayne piece feels structural to the point of sculptural — a leather crystal-studded corset flaring with hip ruffles that unfold like an accordion; a lace-up corset eyelet skirt that creates a soft, voluptuous curve line away from the body.

From Los Angeles Times

The idea that a pantsuit, or a skirt suit, or a dress may not look “presidential” blatantly defines “presidential” as a man wearing a dark suit, a white or blue shirt, a red or blue tie and black or brown lace-up shoes.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Never Surrender sneakers are your rally cry in shoe form. Lace-up and step out ready to conquer,” the description reads.

From Seattle Times

Dressed in tan pants and tan lace-up moccasins with a pale blue shawl wrapped around her shoulders, she walked for a quarter of a mile before stepping off the path.

From Los Angeles Times

Dressed in tan pants and tan lace-up moccasins with a pale blue shawl wrapped around her shoulders, she walked for a quarter of a mile before stepping off the path.

From Los Angeles Times