moccasin

[ mok-uh-sin, -zuhn ]

noun

1. a heelless shoe made entirely of soft leather, as deerskin, with the sole brought up and attached to a piece of u -shaped leather on top of the foot, worn originally by the American Indians.
2. a hard-soled shoe or slipper resembling this, often decorated with beads.
3. any of several North American snakes of the genus Agkistrodon ( Ancistrodon ), especially the cottonmouth.

moccasin

/ ˈmɒkəsɪn /

noun

1. a shoe of soft leather, esp deerskin, worn by North American Indians
2. any soft shoe resembling this
3. a sheepshearer's footgear, usually made of sacking
4. short for water moccasin

Word History and Origins

Origin of moccasin¹

1605–15, Americanism; < Virginia Algonquian < Proto-Algonquian *maxkeseni

Word History and Origins

Origin of moccasin¹

C17: from Algonquian; compare Narraganset mocussin shoe

Example Sentences

Then with my own kids making their own memories, watching the peanut butter being made, choosing moccasins from the now-gone moccasin shop at the Dell.

From Los Angeles Times

“I had a fully beaded diaper bag. I had beaded moccasins before I could walk.”

From New York Times

Born on Montana’s Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Gladstone has worn tennis shoes, scuffed boots and fur-trimmed moccasins for publicity appearances, often with another accessory or pattern that recalls her Siksikaitsitapi and Nez Perce heritage.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s the most fun you can have with your moccasins on,” Real Bird, 73, jokingly tells crowds.

From Seattle Times

In Vegas, she and Missi both wore moccasins made by an aunt.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• sandal