Definition

A type of lightweight shoe made of cloth and rubber, often used for sports or casual wear.

Example

He wore his plimsolls to the gym for a workout.

Conversation

I just bought a new pair of plimsolls for gym class.

Nice! Are they comfortable to wear?

Yeah, they're really light and perfect for running around.

Sounds great! I need to get a pair myself.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Plimsoll originates from the name of Samuel Plimsoll, a 19th-century British politician and social reformer who advocated for maritime safety. The term refers to a line marked on a ship's hull to indicate the maximum safe loading level. Thus, it is not derived from traditional roots but is named after a person associated with its meaning.

Memory Tip

Think of Samuel Plimsoll, who worked to ensure ships were safe by marking a line to show how much they could carry. This helps you remember that a plimsoll is a safety mark on a ship.

Visually Confused Words