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

There are double straps that fasten with antique gold buckles across the instep, while the slingback strap leaves the back of the foot exposed. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 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

If a company’s sales start slowing, or its customer base weakens, the amount of financing available through discounting shrinks in step, which means this is not a tool that rescues a business already in serious difficulty. — Amit Singhania, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

In 2016, Moncler Grenoble’s fall New York Fashion Week presentation at Lincoln Center was staged in polar-vortex conditions, transforming the frozen plaza into a live performance stage with 80 performers marching in step. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 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