foothold

noun

foot·​hold ˈfu̇t-ˌhōld How to pronounce foothold (audio)
Synonyms of footholdnext
1
: a hold for the feet : footing
2
: a position usable as a base for further advance
The company secured a foothold in the market.

Examples of foothold in a Sentence

The army gained a foothold on the island. The company has secured a foothold in the market.
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.
From Wednesday on, the real heat wave begins to take a foothold with highs for many areas getting up into the 80s to finish the week. Dave Aguilera, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026 Such defensive commitment seemingly has left Mitchell with a solid foothold in the starting lineup. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026 The rock looks completely sheer with nary a hand or foothold in sight. Frederick Dreier, Outside, 16 Mar. 2026 Israel had already established a military foothold in southern Lebanon following the November 2024 ceasefire, seizing five strategic points. Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foothold

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foothold was circa 1577

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Cite this Entry

“Foothold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foothold. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

foothold

noun
foot·​hold -ˌhōld How to pronounce foothold (audio)
1
: a hold for the feet : footing
2
: a position usable as a base for further advance

More from Merriam-Webster on foothold

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