instep

1 of 2

noun

in·​step ˈin-ˌstep 

1

: the arched middle portion of the human foot in front of the ankle joint

especially : its upper surface

2

: the part of a shoe or stocking that fits over the instep

Illustration of instep

• instep 1

in step

2 of 2

phrase

1

: with each foot moving to the same time as the corresponding foot of others or in time to music

2

: in harmony or agreement

Examples of instep in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The straps created cutouts along the toes, and left the instep portion of the foot and arch exposed. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026

The part that was chewed was the part that goes over your instep, a kind of flap or lip. — Lydia Davis, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026

Phrase

Annie Ernaux has always felt at once ahead of her time and entirely in step with it. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026

Recently, a new wave of openings and renovations has joined them, in step with Scotland’s creative pull. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrase

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for instep

• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• misstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep
• rep
• sep
• step

Kids Definition

instep

noun

in·​step ˈin-ˌstep 

1

: the arched middle part of the human foot

2

: the part of a shoe or stocking that fits over the instep

Medical Definition

instep

noun

in·​step ˈin-ˌstep 

: the arched middle portion of the human foot in front of the ankle joint

especially : its upper surface