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

see also:

on one's toes toe to toe

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

see also:

toe the line

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

While the industry is no stranger to turmoil, the recently rapid pace of change is keeping media investors and onlookers on their toes. — Alex Sherman,lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

What sets this style apart from other trends like cowboy boots or square-toe booties is the fact that there are a range of options currently on the market. — Aemilia Madden, Glamour, 16 Aug. 2026

Verb

Step one foot forward, placing the heel down and toes down without shifting weight. — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Now, with the model bill, state lawmakers could force their public colleges to toe the compact’s conservative line. — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

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
• camel 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

Rhymes for toe

• beau
• beaut
• beaux
• blow
• bro
• coe
• crow
• doe
• doh
• dough
• eau
• eaux

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