Noun
Many considered him a foe of democracy.
Her ability was acknowledged by friend and foe alike.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Iran had long backed the Taliban’s principal foes, the Northern Alliance.—Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025 The Wave outshot Bay FC 12-9, and had more shots on goal (seven) than their Northern California foe (four).—Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025 Every scene where these foes clash is hypnotically exciting, leaving audiences hungry for more.—Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 12 Aug. 2025 Even so, the foes and all the king’s pawns find ways to change the chess board.—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foe
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English fo, from Old English fāh, from fāh, adjective, hostile; akin to Old High German gifēh hostile
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of foe was
before the 12th century
Share