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

In 2019, Fitzgerald “took me under his wing” and set him up with a “very expensive” physician to help him work through turf toe injury.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 4, 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, Seattle’s starting right tackle, came out of the game in the third quarter Sunday with a toe injury that has been defined as a turf toe.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 11, 2023

Davis also stepped in for Chisholm while he was sidelined with a turf toe injury last month.

From Washington Times ● Jul. 6, 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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