Definition

Noun: - A waterproof overshoe, typically made of rubber, worn over regular shoes to protect them from water, snow, or mud.

Usage

Galoshes are worn as protective outer footwear. They are slipped on over one's regular shoes or boots when conditions are wet or snowy, and removed upon entering a dry area to keep the primary shoes clean and dry.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To don one's galoshes": A somewhat formal or old-fashioned phrase meaning to put on one's galoshes.
  • Seeing the downpour, she quickly donned her galoshes.

Variants and Related Words

• Overshoe (noun): A general term for any protective shoe worn over another shoe; a galosh is a type of overshoe.
• Gumshoe (noun, informal): Slang for a detective, but historically also referred to a rubber-soled shoe or galosh.
• Arctic (noun, trademark): A specific brand name for a type of waterproof overshoe, often used generically (e.g., "a pair of Arctics").

Synonyms

• Overshoe: The most direct synonym.
• Rubber: Used informally (e.g., "Don't forget your rubbers").
• Bootee: A less common synonym for a short protective overshoe.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Galoshes and umbrella weather": A descriptive phrase for very wet, rainy weather.
  • It's definitely galoshes and umbrella weather out there today.

Noun

1. a waterproof overshoe that protects shoes from water or snow