turf toe

noun

: a minor but painful usually sports-related injury typically involving hyperextension of the big toe that results in spraining or tearing of the ligaments at the joint between the metatarsal and basal phalanx

Examples of turf toe 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.
Tight end Ben Sims, who has been dealing with turf toe, remains sidelined for a second straight week. — Omar Kelly august 25, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 After a promising rookie season with the Colts, Woods missed the next two years because of a hamstring tear and major turf toe surgery. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 Mike Evans is gone, and Emeka Egbuka enters the season likely dealing with turf toe. — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Purdy missed eight regular season games last season after suffering a painful turf toe injury Week 1. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turf toe

Word History

Etymology

from the occurrence of the injury among athletes who play on artificial turf

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turf toe was in 1981

Rhymes for turf toe

See All Rhymes for turf toe

Browse Nearby Words

turf tan
turf toe
turf webworm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turf toe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turf%20toe. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

turf toe

noun
ˈtərf- How to pronounce turf toe (audio)
: a minor but painful usually sports-related injury involving hyperextension of the big toe that results in spraining or tearing of the ligament of the metatarsophalangeal joint
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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