ankle

American  

[ang-kuhl] / ˈæŋ kəl /

noun

1. (in humans) the joint between the foot and the leg, in which movement occurs in two planes.

2. the corresponding joint in a quadruped or bird; hock.

3. the slender part of the leg above the foot.

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ankle British  

/ ˈæŋkəl /

noun

1. the joint connecting the leg and the foot See talus 1

2. the part of the leg just above the foot

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Etymology

Origin of ankle

First recorded before 1000; partly from Middle English ankel, enkel, ankyl, cognate with Middle Low German, Dutch enkel, Old Frisian ankel, Old High German anchal, enchil, Old Norse ǫkkul (from unrecorded ankula); partly from Middle English anclowe, oncleou, Old English anclēow, onclēow, cognate with Middle Low German anclef, Dutch anklāw, Old High German anchlāo; akin to Latin angulus “corner, angle,” Greek ankúlos “bent, crooked,” and ankṓn “bend of the arm, elbow”

Example Sentences

The Clippers struggled on offense without star Kawhi Leonard, out because of ankle soreness.

From Los Angeles Times

But backup center Jaxson Hayes, who missed the last game with right ankle soreness, played 21 minutes against the Suns, finishing with eight points and three rebounds.

From Los Angeles Times

Housewives in buttoned ankle boots and farmers in felt hats clomped in and milled about.

From Literature

I yelped and wriggled, but my ankle was held fast by some kind of rope.

From Literature

Freeman, who last season battled the lingering effects of a right ankle injury he suffered late in the 2024 season, said having a more typical offseason was crucial to regaining his fitness.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bone