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

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

Coconut oil is a great natural remedy for all sorts of skin problems: dry skin, itchiness, athlete’s foot, ringworm, diaper rash, and eczema.

From National Geographic • Feb. 7, 2024

I told the coach and he said I might have athlete’s foot.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez