underfoot

adverb

un·​der·​foot ˌən-dər-ˈfu̇t 

1

: under the foot especially against the ground

trampled the flowers underfoot

2

: below, at, or before one's feet

warm sand underfoot

3

: in the way

children always getting underfoot

Examples of underfoot in a Sentence

The ground was slippery underfoot.

We walked with dried leaves crunching underfoot.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Sinclair rug has all the best qualities needed in a rug, including the ability to stand up to heavy foot traffic, disguise dirt, stay soft underfoot, and be easy to care for. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025

The sand is eroded into curious little ditches, and there’s litter underfoot, the mummified remains of dead fish. —Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025

Walls have artisan rugs as artwork; while, underfoot, carpets are handwoven and artful clusters of lights are made from traditional glass lanterns. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Its subtle upgrades include a sleeker look, more cushioning underfoot, and an improved fit through the heel. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underfoot

• lilliput
• occiput
• tenderfoot
• afoot
• barefoot
• bigfoot
• blackfoot
• caput
• clubfoot
• cocksfoot
• crowfoot
• forefoot

Kids Definition

underfoot

adverb

un·​der·​foot -ˈfu̇t 

1

: under the feet

flowers trampled underfoot

2

: close about one's feet : in the way

a puppy always underfoot