footwork
noun
foot·work
ˈfu̇t-ˌwərk 
1
: the activity of moving from place to place
the investigation entailed a lot of footwork
2
: the management of the feet (as in boxing)
also
: the work done with them
3
: active and adroit maneuvering to achieve an end
fancy political footwork
Examples of footwork in a Sentence
The investigation required a lot of footwork.
He used quick footwork to dodge his opponent.
The tango involves some fancy footwork.
He knows that getting enough votes for the proposal is going to require some fancy political footwork.
Recent Examples on the Web
Down rock is the most crucial element, comprising myriad movements including spins, footwork, transitions, and power moves in which breakers spin their bodies on hands, elbows, shoulders, or their backs or heads.
—
Brandon Sneed, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2024
Tatum showed off his fancy footwork in last year’s Magic Mike’s Last Dance after appearing in the 2022 movies Dog and The Lost City.
—Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024
The steps and stages call for fancy footwork and specialized equipment like an oversized forklift with a price tag of $35,000.
—Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Dec. 2023
Image The dancers’ footwork starts out in fits and spurts, becoming more intricate, more full-bodied as Harris weaves slow motion within blissfully fast crossing feet and lanky arms.
—Gia Kourlas, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024
The former titleholder did an excellent job of damaging Costa’s lead leg and landing powerful counters while showcasing his speed and footwork.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024
Compounding that was not having an answer for Kuzma, who was able to get to his spots on the floor, using quick footwork and pump fakes to find open looks.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 23 Mar. 2024
Percussive footwork was multiplied in tight unison, groups moved in handsome lines and circles, castanets trilled and soloists broke out in displays of expertise.
—Brian Seibert, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024
In bullpen sessions and live batting practice outings, that approach has led to detailed discussions with Prior and McGuiness about Glasnow’s release point, footwork and transfer of weight through his delivery.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024
Brandon Sneed, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2024
Tatum showed off his fancy footwork in last year’s Magic Mike’s Last Dance after appearing in the 2022 movies Dog and The Lost City.
—Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024
The steps and stages call for fancy footwork and specialized equipment like an oversized forklift with a price tag of $35,000.
—Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Dec. 2023
Image The dancers’ footwork starts out in fits and spurts, becoming more intricate, more full-bodied as Harris weaves slow motion within blissfully fast crossing feet and lanky arms.
—Gia Kourlas, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024
The former titleholder did an excellent job of damaging Costa’s lead leg and landing powerful counters while showcasing his speed and footwork.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024
Compounding that was not having an answer for Kuzma, who was able to get to his spots on the floor, using quick footwork and pump fakes to find open looks.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 23 Mar. 2024
Percussive footwork was multiplied in tight unison, groups moved in handsome lines and circles, castanets trilled and soloists broke out in displays of expertise.
—Brian Seibert, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024
In bullpen sessions and live batting practice outings, that approach has led to detailed discussions with Prior and McGuiness about Glasnow’s release point, footwork and transfer of weight through his delivery.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'footwork.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near footwork
Cite this Entry
“Footwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footwork. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
footwork
noun
foot·work
-ˌwərk
: the movement of the feet (as in boxing)
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