hammertoe

noun

ham·​mer·​toe ˈha-mər-ˌtō How to pronounce hammertoe (audio)
: a deformed claw-shaped toe (usually the second toe) that results from permanent angular flexion between one or both phalangeal joints
A poorly fitting shoe can cause hellish problems, from bunions and corns to hammertoes …— Consumer Reports

Examples of hammertoe in a Sentence

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.
How to Manage: Wear shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the bunion or hammertoes. — Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 24 Oct. 2024 Basically: A lot of opportunities for our shoes to constrict, limiting motion in a way that can also lead to foot problems like weak muscles, bunions, and hammertoes. — Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hammertoe was circa 1885

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“Hammertoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hammertoe. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

hammertoe

noun
ham·​mer·​toe ˌham-ər-ˈtō How to pronounce hammertoe (audio)
: a deformed claw-shaped toe and especially the second that results from permanent angular flexion between one or both phalangeal joints

called also claw toe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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