hammertoe
noun
ham·mer·toe
ˈha-mər-ˌtō 
: 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
Consumer ReportsExamples of hammertoe in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Other common issues include bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet, which can result in discomfort and difficulty walking.
—Adam H. Kaplan, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2024
Surgeries performed by podiatrists include arthroscopy, bunion removal, correction of hammertoe (an abnormal bend to the middle joint) and other bone conditions, and repair of torn tendons or ligaments.
—Adam H. Kaplan, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2024
The testers with foot abnormalities like overpronation, bunions, and hammertoes paid especially close attention to whether their shoes helped or aggravated their foot condition.
—Trina Gray, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024
The adjustable straps make these great for people with bunions, hammertoes, swollen feet, and wide feet.
—Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2024
What's more, the hands-free sneaker has a wide toe box that gives some breathing room for swelling, bunions, or hammertoes.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2024
Many have trouble with the adjacent toes and develop a hammertoe—in which the toe has an abnormal bend in the middle joint—or a crossover toe.
—Angela Haupt, TIME, 24 Apr. 2024
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.
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
Other common issues include bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet, which can result in discomfort and difficulty walking.
—Adam H. Kaplan, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2024
Surgeries performed by podiatrists include arthroscopy, bunion removal, correction of hammertoe (an abnormal bend to the middle joint) and other bone conditions, and repair of torn tendons or ligaments.
—Adam H. Kaplan, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2024
The testers with foot abnormalities like overpronation, bunions, and hammertoes paid especially close attention to whether their shoes helped or aggravated their foot condition.
—Trina Gray, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024
The adjustable straps make these great for people with bunions, hammertoes, swollen feet, and wide feet.
—Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2024
What's more, the hands-free sneaker has a wide toe box that gives some breathing room for swelling, bunions, or hammertoes.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2024
Many have trouble with the adjacent toes and develop a hammertoe—in which the toe has an abnormal bend in the middle joint—or a crossover toe.
—Angela Haupt, TIME, 24 Apr. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Hammertoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hammertoe. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
hammertoe
noun
ham·mer·toe
ˌham-ər-ˈtō
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share