instep

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

Examples of instep in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Denise’s were the shiny rich brown of horse chestnuts, with a leather braid over the instep. —Rachel Kushner, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025

Gogolak is considered the chief figure behind football adoption of soccer-style place-kicking, approaching the ball at an angle instead of straight on and kicking with the instep instead of the toes. —Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025

Another set crisscrossed over the instep before circling the ankle, which Rae wore twisted to the front — a subtle switch from the standard placement that changed the entire balance of the look. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2025

One strap adjusts pressure on the instep, while the other runs across the midfoot. —Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 23 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for instep

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

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