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

They can be added to a shoe as an extension of the tongue that reaches the toe box for metatarsal protection. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2025

These flats by Taos offer arch and metatarsal support as well as forefoot cushioning. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025

Noun

Bland missed 10 games in 2024 after needing surgery on his fifth metatarsal in his left foot, the same foot that is giving him issues now. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Dec. 2025

Shannon has already missed nine contests this year due to a left foot fifth metatarsal bone bruise, although he's been back for the past three games. —Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025

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