athlete's foot

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a contagious disease, caused by a fungus that thrives on moist surfaces; ringworm of the feet.

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athlete's foot British  

noun

1. Technical name: tinea pedis.  a fungal infection of the skin of the foot, esp between the toes and on the soles

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Etymology

Origin of athlete's foot

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

athlete's foot

Patients arrived with gangrenous foot wounds that harried providers elsewhere brushed off as athlete’s foot.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2026

Norms eventually hopes to offer products for “the butt to the gut and beyond,” Katz said about future ventures for athlete’s foot, jock itch and constipation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 21, 2025

A take-off zone could be trialled in place of the event's traditional wooden board, where a no-jump is called if the athlete's foot crosses the line.

From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2024

Herbalists recommend calendula lotions, creams, and ointments for chapped skin, eczema, minor cuts and burns, diaper rash, insect bites, hemorrhoids, athlete’s foot, and varicose veins.

From National Geographic ● Feb. 7, 2024

“Nice try, Lonnie,” Mr. Crabtree said, “but you don’t have asthma. I know who all has asthma. I know who has pinkeye and poison ivy and athlete’s foot, also coughs and colds and nervous stomachs.”

From "The Best School Year Ever" by Barbara Robinson