What does golosh mean?
A golosh is a waterproof overshoe worn over an ordinary shoe to protect it from rain, mud, and snow. Modern examples are usually made of rubber and may cover either the whole shoe or the foot and ankle, depending on their height. The singular word is uncommon in contemporary British English, where “rubber boots” or “wellies” may sound more natural, while the plural “goloshes” remains familiar in descriptions of older clothing and wet-weather routines. The related spelling “galosh” is especially common in North American English. Golosh entered English from Russian during the 19th century and is connected with Ukrainian and Polish words for similar footwear. Although its specialized English use has declined, the word remains useful because it identifies a particular garment rather than an ordinary boot: a separate waterproof layer worn over another shoe.
nounA waterproof overshoe, usually made of rubber, worn over a shoe to protect the foot and shoe from rain, mud, and snow.
- A waterproof overshoe, usually made of rubber, worn over an ordinary shoe to keep it dry and clean in wet or muddy conditions.
"She slipped a pair of goloshes over her shoes before crossing the muddy yard."
"She slipped a pair of goloshes over her shoes before crossing the muddy yard."
"The museum displayed a row of red goloshes beside a 1950s raincoat."
The regular plural is goloshes; a single item is a golosh.
"The old-fashioned galoshes kept his shoes dry."
From a Russian word for a waterproof overshoe came both “golosh” and its familiar plural “galoshes.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does golosh come from?
The word entered English in the 19th century from Russian галошь (galóšʹ), denoting a waterproof overshoe. The Russian word is associated with Ukrainian галош (halosh) and Polish galosza, reflecting a wider central and eastern European word group for protective footwear. English developed both golosh and the alternative spelling galosh, with goloshes becoming the usual plural form.
Related word forms
How golosh is actually used
Golosh is chiefly British and now relatively uncommon, especially in everyday speech; galosh is more common in North American English, and the plural is goloshes.
Easily confused with golosh
Galosh is an alternative spelling of the same word; golosh is more common in British English, while galosh is especially common in North American English.