turf toe

American  

[turf toh] / ˈtɜrf ˌtoʊ /

noun

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of turf toe

First recorded in 1975–80

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

turf toe

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

Missing the game because of turf toe was Los Alamitos’ Davon Mitchell, an Oklahoma-bound tight end.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2023

Cross is dealing with what has been reported as turf toe, and Lucas with a knee issue that coach Pete Carroll on Monday defined as “patella area soreness.”

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 12, 2023

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

He endured Grade 3 turf toe and missed the remainder of Gonzaga’s 5-6 campaign — the Eagles’ first losing record since 2008.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 3, 2022

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