Overshoe: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to refer to any protective covering that is worn over shoes to shield them from rain, mud, or snow.

• He wore overshoes to keep his feet dry on the way to work.
• You should use overshoes in the garden to avoid getting your boots dirty.

Typically used to describe waterproof boots made of rubber that are worn over regular shoes to protect them from wet conditions. Often used in a slightly old-fashioned or nostalgic context.

• The children were dressed in raincoats and galoshes as they splashed through puddles.
• Grandpa always talked about how he wore galoshes to school on rainy days.

Refers to waterproof covers or overshoes made of rubber, used mainly to keep feet dry in wet weather. This term is more commonly used in North American English. It can sometimes carry a slightly humorous or informal tone.

• Don't forget your rubbers; it's going to rain later.
• She slipped on her rubbers to walk the dog during the afternoon drizzle.

Specifically refers to tall waterproof rubber boots, named after the Duke of Wellington. Commonly used in British English, it's suitable for contexts involving heavy rain, mud, or even fashion.

• Hunter makes some of the best wellingtons for outdoor activities.
• He wore his wellingtons to navigate the muddy festival grounds.

Typically used to describe a type of outer shoe worn over regular shoes to protect them from dirt, water, or other elements. Often used in outdoor or industrial settings.

• Make sure to wear your overshoes when we go hiking to keep your shoes clean.
• The workers were provided with overshoes to wear inside the factory.

These are commonly used in medical, laboratory, or cleanroom environments to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination. They are intended for one-time use and are often disposable.

• All visitors must put on protective shoe covers before entering the cleanroom.
• Nurses wear protective shoe covers to maintain a sterile environment in the operating room.

This term is often used in industrial settings where there is a need for additional protection beyond just cleanliness, such as chemical, electrical, or heavy material hazards.

• Employees working in the chemical plant are required to wear safety shoe covers.
• These safety shoe covers are designed to protect your feet from electrical hazards.