ankle
2 synonyms for ankle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The joint connecting the foot to the leg.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use ankle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sprained ankle
ankle sock
twist an ankle
Etymology
From Old English ancol, from a Proto-Germanic root shared with Dutch enkel and German Enkel — ultimately related to Latin angulus ("angle, corner").
Full origin of ankle →Frequently asked questions
What does “ankle” mean?
The word “ankle” means the joint connecting the foot to the leg. In plain terms, the joint where the foot meets the leg.
How do you pronounce “ankle”?
“Ankle” is pronounced ANG-kuhl (/ˈeɪ̯ŋ.kəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “ankle” in a sentence?
Here is “ankle” used in a sentence: “She twisted her ankle stepping off the curb.”
What part of speech is “ankle”?
Depending on how it is used, “ankle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ankle” come from?
The word “ankle” comes from Latin. From Old English ancol, from a Proto-Germanic root shared with Dutch enkel and German Enkel — ultimately related to Latin angulus ("angle, corner").
Is “ankle” a common word?
“Ankle” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “ankle” have?
“Ankle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the joint connecting the foot to the leg.
What is the difference between the ankle and the heel?
The ankle is the joint that connects the foot to the leg and lets the foot move up, down, and from side to side. The heel is the rounded back part of the foot, below and behind the ankle, that takes your weight when you stand. They are neighbouring parts but not the same thing.
What is the difference between a sprained ankle and a broken ankle?
A sprained ankle involves stretched or torn ligaments, the soft tissue around the joint, while a broken ankle means one of the bones in the joint is cracked or fractured. A break is generally more serious and often more painful than a sprain. Only a medical professional can tell them apart for certain.
