What does sandal mean?
A sandal is a light, usually open shoe made from a sole and straps that hold it to the foot. Unlike a closed shoe or boot, a sandal leaves much of the foot exposed and is commonly associated with warm weather, casual dress, beachwear, and traditional clothing in many regions. Leather, fabric, and synthetic materials are all used, and sandals may have elaborate decorative straps or a substantial sole. The word can also function as a rare verb: to sandal someone means to put sandals on their feet, a usage now encountered mainly in formal or literary contexts. In everyday speech, “sandal” is nearly always a noun, and the standard plural is “sandals.” Its ancient ancestry is especially notable: English borrowed the word through Latin from Greek sandalion, the familiar footwear depicted in classical sculpture and mythology. The term is therefore both a practical modern label and a survivor of the long history of open-footed footwear.
A light shoe with a sole and straps, leaving much of the foot exposed.
"He left his sandals by the door before entering the house."
Common in casual, seasonal, traditional, and beach dress; styles and materials vary widely by region.
To put sandals on someone's feet.
"The attendant sandaled the child before the procession began."
Rare in contemporary English and chiefly encountered in literary, historical, or regionally marked contexts.
The standard plural of the noun is “sandals.”
"Her new sandals matched her summer dress."
The modern sandal descends from the ancient Greek sandalion, the footwear of philosophers, travelers, and gods.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sandal come from?
The English word comes through Latin sandalium, from Ancient Greek sandalion, a term for a sandal. It was borrowed into late Old English and was subsequently reshaped to the modern form “sandal.” Related forms include the diminutive sandalette and the French-derived sandalier, a shoemaker or sandal-maker.
Related word forms
How sandal is actually used
In ordinary use, “sandal” refers to an open shoe secured by straps over the foot. The verb is rare in modern English and is encountered chiefly in literary, historical, or regionally marked usage.