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

The sessions will incorporate strategies with serves and returns, better shot placements, different shots, footwork, movement and communication. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

Over time, that blended with the fast footwork of dancing styles brought to America by immigrant groups, like Irish step dancing and English and Welsh clog dancing, to evolve into tap. —ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026

His footwork is precise, his shooting touch soft and his overall game has been improving with his maturity. —Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

The two began staying after practice to fine-tune the details, stance, hands, footwork and arriving early to study film and break down opponents. —Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 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)