toe
3 synonyms and 2 antonyms for toe, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Any of the five digits at the end of the human foot.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use toe
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English tā, from a Proto-Germanic root related to "showing" or "pointing" — related to Latin dīcere ("to say") and digitus ("finger").
Full origin of toe →Frequently asked questions
What does “toe” mean?
The word “toe” means any of the five digits at the end of the human foot. In plain terms, one of the five small digits on the foot; also used for the front tip of a shoe, sock, or object.
How do you pronounce “toe”?
“Toe” is pronounced toh (/toʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “toe” in a sentence?
Here is “toe” used in a sentence: “She stubbed her toe on the coffee table.”
What is the opposite of “toe”?
The opposite of “toe” — its antonyms — are heel and tail.
What part of speech is “toe”?
Depending on how it is used, “toe” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “toe” come from?
The word “toe” comes from Latin. From Old English tā, from a Proto-Germanic root related to "showing" or "pointing" — related to Latin dīcere ("to say") and digitus ("finger").
Is “toe” a common word?
“Toe” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “toe” have?
“Toe” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any of the five digits at the end of the human foot.
Is it "toe the line" or "tow the line"?
The correct idiom is toe the line, meaning to conform to rules or authority. It comes from the literal sense of toe, to touch or reach something with the toes, as in runners or soldiers standing with their toes touching a marked line; "tow the line" is a common misspelling because toe and tow sound identical.
What are the toes called?
Only two toes have everyday names: the big toe, known anatomically as the hallux, and the little toe, informally called the pinky toe in American English. The middle three are usually just numbered second, third and fourth.