ankle

[ang-kuhl]

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.

ankle

/ ˈæŋkəl /

noun

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

2. the part of the leg just above the foot

Word History and Origins

Origin of ankle¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ankle¹

C14: from Old Norse; related to German, Dutch enkel, Latin angulus _angle ¹

Example Sentences

It was injuries that derailed their title challenge in 2024-25, with Odegaard himself having a spell on the sidelines with an ankle problem.

From BBC

A medical expert told the trial that Brendon's injuries were consistent with his head being swung against a hard surface "more than once" while he was being held by his ankles.

From BBC

For almost all of his 16 months in captivity he says he was tied up - first with ropes to his wrists and ankles, then with iron chains.

From BBC

Clark missed the last 19 regular-season games and the Fever’s spirited playoff run because of a right groin strain and a bone bruise in her left ankle.

From Los Angeles Times

Alcaraz, who showed no signs of an issue with his ankle after sustaining an injury in the opening round, broke for 5-4 and served out for the first set.

From BBC

Related Words

• bone