plimsoll

or plim·sol, plim·sole

[ plim-suhl, -sohl ]

noun

, British.

1. a canvas shoe with a rubber sole; gym shoe; sneaker.

plimsoll

/ ˈplɪmsəl /

noun

1. a light rubber-soled canvas shoe worn for various sports Also calledgym shoesandshoe

Word History and Origins

Origin of plimsoll¹

First recorded in 1905–10; perhaps so called from fancied resemblance of the sole to a Plimsoll mark

Word History and Origins

Origin of plimsoll¹

C20: so called because of the resemblance of the rubber sole to a Plimsoll line

Example Sentences

"Families couldn't afford to replace them," she says, adding children had no choice but to wear black plimsolls, but "unsympathetic" schools would send them home.

From BBC

But oh, the lightness and pleasure of Lily and Ruth, their keen companionship over tea and toast, quick trips to the seaside, plimsolls by the door.

From Los Angeles Times

"After 10 years of investigating, all they had to show was a plimsoll and cagoule that everyone wore," he said.

From BBC

Goods branded with the mouthless cartoon adorned with a trademark hair bow are sold in 130 countries worldwide, with the range extending from prosecco to plimsolls.

From BBC

Only later, he reveals, did he discover that he had broken two ribs and a bone in his ankle after his plimsolls got stuck in the stirrups.

From Washington Post