Synonyms

barefoot

American

[bair-foot] / ˈbɛərˌfʊt /

adjective

Also barefooted. with the feet bare.

a barefoot boy;
to walk barefoot.
Carpentry. (of a post or stud) secured to a sill or the like without mortising.

barefoot British

/ ˈbɛəˌfʊt /

adjective

with the feet uncovered

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of barefoot

before 1000; Middle English barfot, Old English bærfōt. See bare ¹, foot

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Courtney rips the IV from her arm and escapes, barefoot and in a hospital gown.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Devotees bearing offerings such as milk pots or carrying elaborate and heavy metal frames called "kavadis" walked barefoot up 272 steps to reach the temple.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

Due to the water’s high mineral content, the fall’s boulders have developed a spongy texture that allows you to climb barefoot while water gushes over your feet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

The footage showed Noah returning to his home at Fitzroy Avenue at about 04:08 on the same morning barefoot and without his headphones.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

I was barefoot like everyone else, so I got tuktuk in my feet.

From "Lost Boy, Lost Girl" by John Bul Dau

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023