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

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.
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.
Noun
This isn’t some fashion formula that’s difficult to decode; these beautiful dresses are easily toughened up with slouchy leather boots to create a cool juxtaposition for day and look just as swell with open toe mules for springtime evenings. Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025 Tandem Stance Targets: Chest, back, glutes, lower body, core Repetitions: 30 seconds per side, repeated three times Video Stand up straight and put one foot directly in front of the other, with your heel touching your toe. Hilary Achauer, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
Still, plenty of Shaheen’s GOP colleagues are sure to toe the line of Trump’s position that the U.S. provides too much assistance abroad and should extract itself from global conflicts. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 25 Dec. 2024 Many of the same tech moguls crowding the rotunda, once vocal critics of Trump, are now keen to toe the MAGA line, hoping to shore up government contracts, benefit from a low-tax, low-regulation regime, and avoid being targeted by Trump for punishment. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for toe

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

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Cite this Entry

“Toe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toe. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

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

: one of the terminal members of a vertebrate's foot

More from Merriam-Webster on toe

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