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
Noun
With an elongated, curved toe and a laceless slip-on construction, the Reptile Sneaker is one of Balenciaga’s most jarring offerings yet—which will likely only further its appeal to devotees of the brand’s experimental approach. Riley Jones For Footwear News, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2024 The singer wore black cropped pants with a subtle tuxedo stripe and a pair of Dior lace-up ballet flats with a delicate pearl at the toe. Laura Tortora, Glamour, 21 Oct. 2024
Verb
Some respondents have previously toed major party lines and voted either for Trump, President Joe Biden, or both in the last two elections, but aren't comfortable sticking with either party again. Terry Collins, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024 Visually, the film leans into discomfort, provoking visceral reactions from the viewer through scenarios that toe the line of disgust and desire. Kristen Tauer, WWD, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for toe 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'toe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 2 Nov. 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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