underfoot

adverb

un·​der·​foot ˌən-dər-ˈfu̇t 

1

: under the foot especially against the ground

trampled the flowers underfoot

2

: below, at, or before one's feet

warm sand underfoot

3

: in the way

children always getting underfoot

Examples of underfoot in a Sentence

The ground was slippery underfoot.

We walked with dried leaves crunching underfoot.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hiking trails begin to open, offering panoramic views of deep blue fjords set against emerald-green meadows and towering cliffs, although care must be taken underfoot. —David Nikel, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

The Lurdes geometric area rug is a plush rug that’ll feel comfortable underfoot and has a modern design. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025

And, among Democratic strategists, there is a not-even-subtle chatter about recruiting candidates for districts laden with federal workers, including four where Republican incumbents have more than 25,000 feds underfoot. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025

Rear-axle steering and PTV work seamlessly in the background to ensure the chassis goes precisely where intended, and the brakes haul everything to a stop without drama (kudos to Porsche for such an extraordinary pedal feel underfoot). —Michael Harley, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underfoot

• lilliput
• occiput
• tenderfoot
• afoot
• barefoot
• bigfoot
• blackfoot
• caput
• clubfoot
• cocksfoot
• crowfoot
• forefoot

Kids Definition

underfoot

adverb

un·​der·​foot -ˈfu̇t 

1

: under the feet

flowers trampled underfoot

2

: close about one's feet : in the way

a puppy always underfoot