footwork

noun

foot·​work ˈfu̇t-ˌwərk 

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

While Ben Johnson will oversee all the moving parts of the offense, the 30-year-old Barrett will be the one making sure Williams’ footwork and timing are on point. —Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

Concepts often discussed abstractly, footwork, balance, counters, discipline, became visible in real time. —D’joumbarey A. Moreau, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026

Witt would ask questions, hang around the batting cage to talk hitting, quiz Arenado about his footwork at third. —Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026

Excellent footwork contributes to an aggressive baseline game. —Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for footwork

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• clockwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• earthwork

Kids Definition

footwork

noun

foot·​work -ˌwərk 

: the movement of the feet (as in boxing)