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

Two skinny straps crossed the toes, while another ran diagonally over the instep and met a narrow strap just below the ankle before wrapping around the heel. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 July 2026

Smashed with the instep of Mbappe’s right foot, the ball arced viciously into the top-right corner, beyond Bounou’s despairing dive. — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 9 July 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