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

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

Co-host Maya Jama then joked that Kemp had athlete's foot, which would have been a decent joke if they'd been drinking from his shoe.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2024

Some use avocado to relieve symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and athlete’s foot, although more scientific research needs to be done to fully support those claims.

From National Geographic • Feb. 7, 2024

And public swimming areas and locker rooms are filled with microorganisms that thrive in warm, damp areas, she said, causing ailments such as athlete’s foot and plantar warts.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 5, 2023

I’m pretty sure he mostly clears up athlete’s foot and plantar warts.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina