toe

1 of 2

noun

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
toeless 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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Sistine Stretch Good Body Oil This Healthy Beauty Award–winning body oil might be the product that gets them to start moisturizing from head to toe. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 21 Nov. 2024 Learn more › At the ends of your toes are an evolutionary artifact of humans’ primate history, hiding in plain sight. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
Columbia’s legacy of quality outdoor gear lives on these Fairbanks boots, and the impressive weather resistance guarantees toasty toes no matter the adventure. Matthew Medendorp, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2024 In that case, the onus will remain at the state level, where individual states will have to toe the line between tech hub status and secure innovation. Rachel Curry, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for toe 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English to, from Old English ; 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of toe was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near toe

Cite this Entry

“Toe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toe. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

toe

1 of 2 noun
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
: one of the terminal members of a vertebrate's foot
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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