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

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

Kids underfoot and overhead and popping out of corners like the orphans in Annie! —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025

The snow had turned to ice underfoot, and to be outside felt a little deadly; few were in the streets. —Caitlín Doherty, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025

These are also well mapped, with different support zones for the ankle, instep, and underfoot cushioning. —Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 11 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