hammertoe

noun

ham·​mer·​toe ˈha-mər-ˌtō 

: a deformed claw-shaped toe (usually the second toe) that results from permanent angular flexion between one or both phalangeal joints

A poorly fitting shoe can cause hellish problems, from bunions and corns to hammertoes …

—Consumer Reports

Examples of hammertoe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These sneakers also boast a spacious toe box — a plus for those with swollen feet, bunions, and hammertoes. — Trina Gray, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024

Both bunions and hammertoes can make wearing shoes painful and affect overall mobility. — Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 24 Oct. 2024

Some patients with bunions, hammertoes, or Morton’s neuroma (which can cause a sensation that feels like a pebble in your shoe) require boots with a wider toe box. — Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2026

Targets routinely develop bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. — Dahlia Gallin Ramirez, New Yorker, 9 June 2026

Standalone conditions like plantar fasciitis or hammertoes typically involve structural strain, overuse or inflammation. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1885, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hammertoe

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Medical Definition

hammertoe

noun

ham·​mer·​toe ˌham-ər-ˈtō 

: a deformed claw-shaped toe and especially the second that results from permanent angular flexion between one or both phalangeal joints

called also claw toe