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 hammertoesConsumer 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.
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 Wooden removing his own shoes and socks for a demonstration, revealing varicose veins from lower leg to foot along with hammertoes, killed the remainder of the excitement. Scott Howard-Cooper., Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hammertoe was circa 1885

Dictionary Entries Near hammertoe

Cite this Entry

“Hammertoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hammertoe. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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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