footwork

noun

foot·​work ˈfu̇t-ˌwərk 

1

: the activity of moving from place to place

the investigation entailed a lot of footwork

2

: the management of the feet (as in boxing)

also : the work done with them

3

: active and adroit maneuvering to achieve an end

fancy political footwork

Examples of footwork in a Sentence

The investigation required a lot of footwork.

He used quick footwork to dodge his opponent.

The tango involves some fancy footwork.

He knows that getting enough votes for the proposal is going to require some fancy political footwork.

Recent Examples on the Web

His success in this area can be attributed to his pristine footwork and ability to absorb contact while going downhill. —Mat Issa, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

Clever use of legend abilities or just slick footwork can help keep a team in the game, especially if multiple teams are converging. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025

Valles set a club record for the most consecutive minutes without conceding (599), catching the eye with his adventurous footwork and distribution on top of his close-range reflexes. —The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025

At 6-6, 323 pounds, Campbell was a three-year starter for the Tigers and is arguably the best offensive lineman available due to his excellent footwork and overall strength. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for footwork

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• clockwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• earthwork

Kids Definition

footwork

noun

foot·​work -ˌwərk 

: the movement of the feet (as in boxing)