barefoot

adverb or adjective

bare·​foot ˈber-ˌfu̇t 

variants or barefooted

ˈber-ˈfu̇-təd 

: with the feet bare

walked barefoot

barefoot boy, with cheek of tan

—J. G. Whittier

Examples of barefoot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, the term athlete’s foot comes from its prevalence among athletes, who spend a lot of time walking barefoot in locker rooms, shared bathrooms or showers, and around swimming pools.4 Athlete’s foot spreads when uninfected skin comes into contact with infected skin. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 15 Aug. 2025

Walking barefoot to the bathroom could be exposing yourself to bacteria, viruses, or even fungal infections, according to former aircraft cleaning product developer David Krause. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Aug. 2025

Natural or minimalist shoes mimic being barefoot — without extra cushioning, supports or lifts. —Dana Santas, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025

In a photo released by law enforcement, Brown appears gaunt, barefoot and wearing nothing but black shorts. —Hannah Schoenbaum, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for barefoot

• lilliput
• occiput
• tenderfoot
• underfoot
• afoot
• bigfoot
• blackfoot
• caput
• clubfoot
• cocksfoot
• crowfoot
• forefoot

Kids Definition

barefoot

adverb or adjective

bare·​foot -ˌfu̇t 

variants or barefooted

-ˈfu̇t-əd 

: with the feet bare : without shoes