footwork

noun

foot·​work ˈfu̇t-ˌwərk How to pronounce footwork (audio)
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
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.
That footwork lasts a long time. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025 Kole Bishop, one of the gym members, has used the opportunity to work on his footwork and stay light on his feet in the boxing ring. Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 14 Dec. 2025 Drawing a little inspiration from the ballistic footwork grooves of DJ L and the dreaminess of Pi’erre Bourne, the production clique—composed of Maajins, sxprano, and ivvys—has pioneered a glitchy, intricate beatmaking style that takes a hacksaw to the standard patterns of rap percussion. Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2025 Offensive coordinator Frank Smith compares Tagovailoa’s footwork issues to a golfer’s swing. Miami Herald, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for footwork

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of footwork was in 1859

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Footwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footwork. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

footwork

noun
foot·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce footwork (audio)
: the movement of the feet (as in boxing)

More from Merriam-Webster on footwork

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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