footwork

noun

foot·​work ˈfu̇t-ˌwərk How to pronounce footwork (audio)
1
: the activity of moving from place to place
the investigation entailed a lot of footwork
2
: the management of the feet (as in boxing)
also : the work done with them
3
: active and adroit maneuvering to achieve an end
fancy political footwork

Examples of footwork in a Sentence

The investigation required a lot of footwork. He used quick footwork to dodge his opponent. The tango involves some fancy footwork. He knows that getting enough votes for the proposal is going to require some fancy political footwork.
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.
The footwork to shuffle across is not to be underestimated. Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2025 In an experience that will certainly be beneficial heading into his first year as a Husky, the 7-foot big man continued to display his advanced footwork and an ability to score at all three levels during Germany’s 109-76 loss to Team USA in the gold medal game. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025 His footwork in the paint resembles a 1980s big man, while his passing and vision from the low block are akin to modern forwards. Sam Jane, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2025 Like Michael Jackson trading fancy footwork (to rabid audience screams) with his idol James Brown before presenting the Godfather of Soul with BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for footwork

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of footwork was in 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Footwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footwork. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

footwork

noun
foot·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce footwork (audio)
: the movement of the feet (as in boxing)

More from Merriam-Webster on footwork

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