toe

1 of 2

noun

ˈtō 

1

a(1)

: one of the terminal members of the vertebrate foot

(2)

: the fore end of a foot or hoof

b

: a terminal segment of a limb of an invertebrate

c

: the forepart of something worn on the foot

the toe of a boot

2

: a part that by its position or form is felt to resemble a toe

the toe of Italy

: such as

a

: a lateral projection at one end or between the ends of a piece (such as a rod or bolt)

b

: the lowest part (as of an embankment, dam, or cliff)

3

: toe dance

toeless

ˈtō-ləs 

adjective

toe

2 of 2

verb

toed; toeing

transitive verb

1

: to touch, reach, or drive with the toe

toe a football

2

: to furnish with a toe

toe a sock

3

: to drive (something, such as a nail) obliquely

also : to clinch or fasten by or with nails or rods so driven

intransitive verb

1

: tiptoe

2

: to stand, walk, or be placed so that the toes assume an indicated position or direction

toe in

Phrases

on one's toes

: alert sense 1

toe to toe

: facing one another

toe the line or toe the mark

: to conform rigorously to a rule or standard

Examples of toe in a Sentence

Noun

He felt the sand between his toes.

I accidentally stepped on her toe.

I stubbed my toe on the table's leg.

My sock has a hole in the toe.

the toe of her boot

the toe of the peninsula

Verb

She toed off her shoes.

The pitcher toed the rubber.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In no time, you’ll be drenched from head to toe and dangerously lightheaded—the classic runner’s high! —Graeme Carey, The New Yorker, 10 July 2024

Try styling yours with a pointed toe heel or an open toe wedge sandal. —Essence, 10 July 2024

Verb

Many Asian nations have been subjected to overt Chinese economic coercion: when Australia, India, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea have refused to toe Beijing’s line in territorial or diplomatic disputes, China has hit them with import bans in key sectors. —Michael Green, Foreign Affairs, 23 Jan. 2024

As the set stretches on, Martin increasingly toes a line between charmingly earnest and overly sentimental. —Will Richards, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English to, from Old English tā; akin to Old High German zēha toe

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

1660, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Phrases Containing toe

• big toe
• Covid toe
• dip/put/stick a toe in the water
• from head to foot/toe
• from top to toe
• great toe
• heel-and-toe
• little toe
• stub one's toe
• tick-tack-toe
• tic-tac-toe
• toe cap
• toe dance
• toe-in
• toe loop
• toe the line
• toe the mark
• toe to toe
• turf toe

Video

When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes

Kids Definition

toe

1 of 2 noun

ˈtō 

1

a

: one of the jointed parts of the front end of a vertebrate foot

b

: the front end or part of a foot or hoof

c

: the front end or part of something worn on the foot

2

: something that resembles a toe

toe

2 of 2 verb

toed; toeing

: to touch, reach, or kick with the toes

Medical Definition

toe

noun

ˈtō 

: one of the terminal members of a vertebrate's foot