turf toe

American

[turf toh] / ˈtɜrf ˌtoʊ /

noun

a sprain at the joint between the metatarsus and the phalanx of the big toe, caused when the ligament connecting them under the toe is overextended: typically a sports-related injury, originally associated especially with artificial grass surfaces.

Etymology

Origin of turf toe

First recorded in 1975–80

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.

Jackson hadn’t suited up since Week 1 while dealing with a lingering turf toe issue.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2025

He won’t suit up to spell Joe Burrow while the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback nurses his turf toe back to health.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2025

Branson Robinson was returning from a turf toe injury he suffered in spring practice before suffering the ruptured patellar tendon in what Smart said was a non-contact injury.

From Washington Times • Aug. 23, 2023

The third-year back has dealt with significant injuries — turf toe as a rookie, a fracture in his shin last season — and is being eased into camp this season because of a hamstring issue.

From Washington Post • Jul. 31, 2022

Cubs: RHP Michael Rucker was placed on the 15-day injured list with left turf toe.

From Seattle Times • May 19, 2022

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