Foxtrot

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communications code word

Fox·​trot ˈfäks-ˌträt 

—used as a code word for the letter f

foxtrot

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noun

fox·​trot ˈfäks-ˌträt 

variants or less commonly fox-trot or fox trot

plural foxtrots also fox-trots or fox trots

1

: a short broken slow trotting gait in which the hind foot of the horse hits the ground a trifle before the diagonally opposite forefoot

2

: a ballroom dance in duple time with slow walking steps, quick running steps, and the step of the two-step

also : the music for this dance

The band played a foxtrot.

fox-trot

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verb

ˈfäks-ˌträt 

fox-trotted; fox-trotting; fox-trots

intransitive verb

: to dance the foxtrot

Examples of Foxtrot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Six hours of tango, foxtrot, rumba, waltz and swing. —Kevin P. Martin Jr., People.com, 11 Apr. 2025

The opening, pastoral numbers have a quaintly Coplandesque sound, which is followed by styles like the foxtrot, boogie-woogie and 19th-century parlor song. —Joshua Barone, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2025

The Dance Moms alum and pro dancer gave an energetic foxtrot performance for their first dance of season 30. Season 33 of DWTS is now streaming on Hulu. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024

Since the judges’ scores do play a role in the finale results, Joey’s at a slight advantage already, having scored the semifinals’ lone perfect 30 with his fantastic foxtrot. —Rebecca Iannucci, TVLine, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Communications Code Word

1952, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1916, in the meaning defined above