light-footed

adjective

light-foot·​ed ˈlīt-ˌfu̇-təd How to pronounce light-footed (audio)
variants or less commonly light-foot
1
: having a light and springy step
2
: moving gracefully and nimbly
light-footed prose

Examples of light-footed in a Sentence

the light-footed cat crept silently through the house
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, commentators often portrayed the governments of such states as lethargic bureaucracies outwitted by light-footed rebels. Thomas Hegghammer, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2021 At San Dieguito, that builds space for wildlife such as the light-footed Ridgway’s rail and least Bell’s vireo, two native California birds listed by the federal government as in danger of extinction. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2024 The project is expected to provide habitat for two endangered birds, the least Bell’s vireo and light-footed ridgeway’s rail, and offer animals access to conserved land areas for mammals such as the American badger, mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, mule deer and gray fox. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2024 In the summer, people in Maine are barefooted, light-footed, and surefooted. Marissa Hermer, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2023 Watching a 300- or 400-pound bear execute a light-footed cousin to a tour jeté snaps your head around. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of light-footed was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near light-footed

Cite this Entry

“Light-footed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light-footed. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

light-footed

adjective
light-foot·​ed
-ˈfu̇t-əd
: having a light and springy step or movement

More from Merriam-Webster on light-footed

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!