What does bootlace mean?
A bootlace is the long, narrow cord threaded through the eyelets of a boot and tied in order to hold it snugly on the foot. Functionally identical to a shoelace, the term is used especially in British English, where it appears in everyday contexts from hiking and military dress to children's school shoes. Bootlaces are typically made of braided cotton, nylon, or leather, and their practical importance makes them a familiar figure of speech in minor mishaps — an undone or snapped bootlace can trip a walker or delay a march. The word carries no strong connotation beyond its plain, utilitarian character, though it evokes sturdy footwear such as work boots, combat boots, and hiking boots. Related terms include the generic 'lace' and the older 'latchet', while 'bootstrap' refers not to a fastening cord but to the pull-loop on a boot's shaft.
nounA long, thin cord or string used to fasten a boot by threading it through eyelets and tying it.
- A cord threaded through the eyelets of a boot and tied to fasten it securely.
"He crouched down to retie his bootlace before continuing up the trail."
"Her bootlace came undone halfway through the muddy obstacle course."
"In the army, recruits are taught to tuck in their bootlace ends so nothing catches on gear."
The plural is standard and common, referring to the laces of one or more pairs of boots.
"Before the inspection, every recruit checked that their bootlaces were neatly double-knotted."
The humble bootlace has been keeping soldiers, hikers, and schoolchildren upright for centuries — yet most people never notice it until it snaps at the worst possible moment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bootlace
Bootlace is a compound of 'boot' and 'lace'. The word 'lace' traces back through Old French 'las' to the Latin 'laqueus', meaning a noose or snare, which also gives English words such as 'latchet' and underlies the fabric sense of 'lace'. The compound arose as laced boots became common footwear, and the term remains standard in British English alongside its American counterpart 'shoelace'.
How bootlace is actually used
Chiefly British English; American speakers more often say 'shoelace' even when referring to boots. The plural 'bootlaces' is common when discussing both boots of a pair.
Easily confused with bootlace
A bootstrap is a small loop of leather or fabric at the side or back of a boot used to pull it on, whereas a bootlace is the cord threaded through eyelets to fasten and secure the boot.