foothold

noun

foot·​hold ˈfu̇t-ˌhōld How to pronounce foothold (audio)
1
: a hold for the feet : footing
2
: a position usable as a base for further advance

Examples of foothold in a Sentence

The army gained a foothold on the island. The company has secured a foothold in the market.
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.
The recent qualification of Italy - which generated global headlines - has invigorated administrators and was further evidence that cricket’s depth is increasing beyond traditional footholds. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 One with new trails and challenges and footholds that require their full focus. Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 23 July 2025 In a press release, the CPSC stated that the pools, specifically those 48 inches in height or taller, are equipped with compression straps that serve as footholds, allowing small children to climb into the water unattended, even if a ladder is removed. Jay Blackman, NBC news, 22 July 2025 The strap that surrounds the outside of the pool potentially creates a foothold, giving children access to the pool and presenting a drowning risk for them. Jessica Botelho, Baltimore Sun, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for foothold

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foothold was circa 1577

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foothold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foothold. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

foothold

noun
foot·​hold -ˌhōld How to pronounce foothold (audio)
1
: a hold for the feet : footing
2
: a position usable as a base for further advance

More from Merriam-Webster on foothold

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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