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

Before guests even left the United States, they were invited to an informal class at the groom’s mother’s house to learn the Horo, a traditional Bulgarian wedding dance where guests link arms and do a bit of fancy footwork with the newlyweds. — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026

One by one, each player came with full force, only to be pushed aside flawlessly as Hill worked both his hand technique and footwork in a blue jersey as a tackle protecting the outside. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 27 July 2026

Herbert has already undergone some footwork changes to make the transition into McDaniel’s passing offense. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Skip the footwork and practice the punches from a stationary stance. — Jenessa Connor, Health, 21 July 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)