Meaning & use
overshoes
Last updated
Meanings
nounplural
Waterproof coverings worn over ordinary shoes to keep feet dry or shoes clean.
Grammar: Used in the plural: a pair of overshoes, these overshoes. No singular form is common.
Patterns
- a pair of overshoes
- wear overshoes
- put on overshoes
She put on her overshoes before going out in the snow.
The workers wear overshoes to keep their boots clean in the factory.
These overshoes are too small; I need a larger pair.
nounpluraltechnical
Protective coverings worn over shoes in clean rooms or hospitals to prevent contamination.
Grammar: Also plural: disposable overshoes, sterile overshoes.
Patterns
- disposable overshoes
- sterile overshoes
Visitors must wear disposable overshoes in the clean room.
The hospital provides overshoes for staff entering the operating area.
Common combinations
- a pair of overshoes
- He bought a pair of overshoes for the rainy season.
- wear overshoes
- In winter, many people wear overshoes over their regular shoes.
- disposable overshoes
- The lab supplies disposable overshoes for all visitors.
Synonyms and how they differ
- galoshes
- Similar waterproof footwear, but galoshes are often taller and may be worn instead of shoes, not just over them.
- rubbers
- An older, informal term for overshoes, especially in American English; it can be confusing because 'rubbers' also means erasers in British English.
Commonly confused: overshoes or overshoot?
overshoes vs overshoot
Overshoot means to go past a target or limit; overshoes are protective footwear. They are not related.
Practice
Choose the correct word: In the snowy weather, she wore _____ over her shoes to keep her feet dry.
Choose one answer.
Overshoes are waterproof coverings for shoes, which fits the context. Overshoots means goes past a limit; overcoats are warm coats; overalls are a type of protective clothing.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “overshoes”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.