Definition

Noun: 1. A soft leather shoe, typically without a separate heel, originally made and worn by Native Americans: A type of footwear traditionally crafted from deerskin or other soft leather, often featuring a puckered seam across the top of the foot. 2. A modern shoe styled after the traditional Native American footwear: A contemporary shoe design that mimics the soft, slip-on style of the original moccasin.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The traditional moccasin was hand-sewn from a single piece of tanned hide.
  • He prefers to wear a comfortable pair of moccasins as house slippers.
  • The museum displayed a beautifully beaded moccasin from the 19th century.

Advanced Usage

• "Camp moccasin": A term sometimes used for a simple, sturdy version of the moccasin suitable for outdoor wear.
• The word is often used attributively (as a noun modifier) to describe the style or construction of other items, e.g., (a style of shoe construction).

Variants and Related Words

• Moccasined (adj.): Describing someone who is wearing moccasins.
  • The moccasined feet made no sound on the forest path.
• Loafer: A modern type of slip-on shoe that evolved from the moccasin design.

Synonyms

• Slipper (specifically for indoor, soft-soled styles)
• Soft shoe

Notes on Meaning

The primary meaning refers to the specific cultural footwear of Indigenous peoples of North America. The secondary meaning refers to the widespread commercial and fashion adaptation of this style. It is important to recognize the cultural origins of the word and the item.

Noun

1. soft leather shoe; originally worn by Native Americans