metatarsal

1 of 2

adjective

meta·​tar·​sal ˌme-tə-ˈtär-səl 

: of, relating to, or being the part of the human foot or of the hind foot in quadrupeds between the tarsus and the phalanges that in humans comprises five elongated bones which form the front of the instep and ball of the foot

metatarsal

2 of 2

noun

: a metatarsal bone

Examples of metatarsal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Options are available for men and women including insoles designed for casual comfort, exercise, metatarsal support, fashion and more. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Feb. 2026

The surgery was meant to repair the fifth metatarsal bone in Bland’s foot. —Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 13 Jan. 2026

Noun

The 22-year-old is recovering from surgery March 9 to repair a fracture fourth metatarsal — the same foot that limited him to three games in 2025. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026

All the joints were crushed, the three inner metatarsals are all plates and pins in my foot. —Outside Online, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1703, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1702, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metatarsal

• parcel
• tarsal

Kids Definition

metatarsal

1 of 2 adjective

meta·​tar·​sal ˌmet-ə-ˈtär-səl 

: of, relating to, or being the part of the foot in human beings or of the hind foot in a four-footed animal that is located between the tarsal bones and the toes

metatarsal

2 of 2 noun

: any of the metatarsal bones of which there are five in human beings

Medical Definition

metatarsal

1 of 2 adjective

meta·​tar·​sal ˌmet-ə-ˈtär-səl 

: of, relating to, or being the part of the human foot or of the hind foot in quadrupeds between the tarsus and the phalanges that in humans comprises five elongated bones which form the front of the instep and ball of the foot

metatarsal

2 of 2 noun

: a metatarsal bone