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.
Cincinnati went 6-11 last year and lost Joe Burrow to a severe case of turf toe. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 Burrow played only eight games last year due to a turf toe injury. — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 28 July 2026 Likewise for Purdy, who missed eight games with turf toe last season but appeared to be close to his old self upon his return with regard to mobility. — Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2026 San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy missed eight games with nagging turf toe. — Megan Armstrong, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 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 11 Aug. 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
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