Definition

A thin cord or lace used to fasten shoes or boots.

Example

He tied his bootlaces tightly before going for a run.

Conversation

I think I need to replace my bootlace before our hike.

Yeah, I noticed it was looking a bit frayed.

Do you have an extra bootlace I could borrow for now?

Sure, I always keep a spare in my backpack!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bootlace → The word is formed from "boot" (from Old English *bōt*, meaning a type of footwear) and "lace" (from Old French *lacier*, meaning to fasten or tie). A bootlace is a lace used to fasten or tie a boot.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'boot' as a type of footwear and 'lace' as something that ties it together — that's why a bootlace is used to fasten a boot.

Visually Confused Words