foreleg

noun

fore·​leg ˈfȯr-ˌleg How to pronounce foreleg (audio)
-ˌlāg
: a front leg

Examples of foreleg 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.
Nini was naturally close to the ground, like a giant thoughtful rat, owing to his disproportionately short forelegs. Tao Lin, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Having bent its foreleg a little, the elephant swayed. Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025 The larger forelegs are attached to a piece of shell right beneath the head; do your best to keep these connected while peeling the shrimp. Greg Chelmis, Saveur, 10 July 2025 The horse was a last minute addition for the Kentucky Derby field and will be taking the place of Tappan Street, a Florida Derby winner who cannot compete due to an injury to his right foreleg. Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 One foreleg was tucked under his body and the other stretched out in front. Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025 The Raptors version features a dial in multiple shades of green, this time with three claw marks, reminiscent of the velociraptors’ forelegs. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreleg was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foreleg.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreleg. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

foreleg

noun
fore·​leg ˈfōr-ˌleg How to pronounce foreleg (audio)
ˈfȯr-
: a front leg

Medical Definition

foreleg

noun
: a front leg

More from Merriam-Webster on foreleg

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