instep

noun in·step \ ˈin-ˌstep \

|Updated on: 28 Apr 2018

Definition of instep

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

See instep defined for English-language learners

See instep defined for kids

Recent Examples of instep from the Web

The two tiny holes at my instep — crucial for ventilation and the prevention of stinky feet.

— The Cut, "6 Women Review Everlane’s New Flats," 23 Apr. 2018
Abloh's unique 'Off White' branding will also feature on the instep.

— SI.com, "Nike Launch Vibrant New 'Mercurial Vapor 360 x Virgil Abloh' for Teen Star Kylian Mbappe," 29 Mar. 2018
The dual-closure system allows me to tighten the calf and ankle separately from the part around the instep and top of my foot.

— leslie hsu oh, Outside Online, "Snowboarding Gear That's Actually Designed for Women," 28 Mar. 2018
His boots keep finding higher rungs, a round pressure on the soft instep of his foot.

— james lynch, Popular Mechanics, "Every Night Perfect," 5 Sep. 2017
The students shouted along with Ms. Belfiglio, slamming their heels to the ground in unison to crush the insteps of imaginary...

— thomas macmillan, WSJ, "More New Yorkers Going on the Defense," 9 May 2017
In the picture, the entire instep of the foot is gone, and a hole the size of a tennis ball is ringed by dead tissue of black and brown and green.

— peter hessler, The New Yorker, "Learning Arabic from Egypt’s Revolution," 7 Apr. 2017
But instead, Walter Ayoví passed it along the ground back through the penalty area, where Arroyo drove a low shot with his right instep into the goal to Guzan’s right.

— david waldstein, New York Times, "United States Advances to Copa América Semifinals," 16 June 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'instep.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of instep

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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INSTEP Defined for English Language Learners

instep

noun

Definition of instep for English Language Learners

: the raised middle part of the top of your foot between the toes and the ankle
: the part of a shoe, sock, etc., that fits over the instep

INSTEP Defined for Kids

instep

noun in·step \ ˈin-ˌstep \

Definition of instep for Students

: the arched middle part of the human foot between the ankle and the toes

Medical Dictionary

instep

noun in·step \ ˈin-ˌstep \

medical Definition of instep

: the arched middle portion of the human foot in front of the ankle joint; especially : its upper surface

Illustration of instep

Learn More about instep

See words that rhyme with instep Spanish Central: Translation of instep Nglish: Translation of instep for Spanish speakers

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instep

Definition of instep

Recent Examples of instep from the Web

Illustration of instep

First Known Use of instep

INSTEP Defined for English Language Learners

instep

Definition of instep for English Language Learners

INSTEP Defined for Kids

instep

Definition of instep for Students

Medical Dictionary

instep

medical Definition of instep

Illustration of instep

Learn More about instep

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