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

Asked about his medical condition, the report said, "Woods advised he's had seven back surgeries and over 20 operations on his leg... Woods advised he has a limp and his ankle seizes while walking."

From Barron's

Woods advised he has a limp and his ankle seizes while walking.”

From Los Angeles Times

Following the Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City earlier this month, defender William Saliba confirmed he would not be joining up with France because of an ankle injury.

From BBC

You do all your favorite skills, with names like “angel” and “ankle drop,” names that sometimes frighten you when you’re on the ground.

From Literature

With his legs split apart, he grabs his ankles and drops his head between his knees.

From Literature

Related Words

• bone