footwork

noun

foot·​work ˈfu̇t-ˌwərk How to pronounce footwork (audio)
1
: the activity of moving from place to place
the investigation entailed a lot of footwork
2
: the management of the feet (as in boxing)
also : the work done with them
3
: active and adroit maneuvering to achieve an end
fancy political footwork

Examples of footwork in a Sentence

The investigation required a lot of footwork. He used quick footwork to dodge his opponent. The tango involves some fancy footwork. He knows that getting enough votes for the proposal is going to require some fancy political footwork.
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.
One way people showed their enthusiasm was through spontaneous footwork. Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2025 This style is a departure from traditional bachata, which focuses on the box step and fast footwork, and incorporates more turns and other elements from salsa. Wilfredo José Burgos Matos, The Conversation, 25 July 2025 Dubois's footwork is predictable, which led to Usyk having success, especially when Dubois backed up and dropped his guard at the same time. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 So Levis is doing all he’s asked, putting in extra time on his footwork, taking reps at Tight End University, the smart things to do. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for footwork

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of footwork was in 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Footwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footwork. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

footwork

noun
foot·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce footwork (audio)
: the movement of the feet (as in boxing)

More from Merriam-Webster on footwork

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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