ankle

[ ang-kuhl ]

noun

1. (in humans) the joint between the foot and the leg, in which movement occurs in two planes.
2. the corresponding joint in a quadruped or bird; hock.
3. the slender part of the leg above the foot.

ankle

/ ˈæŋkəl /

noun

1. the joint connecting the leg and the foot See talus 1
2. the part of the leg just above the foot

Word History and Origins

Origin of ankle¹

First recorded before 1000; partly from Middle English ankel, enkel, ankyl, cognate with Middle Low German, Dutch enkel, Old Frisian ankel, Old High German anchal, enchil, Old Norse ǫkkul (from unrecorded ankula); partly from Middle English anclowe, oncleou, Old English anclēow, onclēow, cognate with Middle Low German anclef, Dutch anklāw, Old High German anchlāo; akin to Latin angulus “corner, angle,” Greek ankúlos “bent, crooked,” and ankṓn “bend of the arm, elbow”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ankle¹

C14: from Old Norse; related to German, Dutch enkel, Latin angulus angle ¹

Example Sentences

Clippers backup point guard Kevin Porter Jr. was out with a sprained ankle.

From Los Angeles Times

That game was the nadir of a seven Premier League match spell where Odegaard was absent with an ankle sprain.

From BBC

Rookie linebacker Junior Colson, who was third in the inside linebacker rotation, is still on injured reserve because of an ankle injury.

From Los Angeles Times

Right tackle Rob Havenstein is back after sitting out three games because of an ankle injury, but left tackle Alaric Jackson is questionable after not practicing this week because of a foot injury.

From Los Angeles Times

I needed to plan my outfits, the bag I'd carry all my goodies in without breaking my back, the shoes that would help me not destroy my ankles while I stood in lines for panels.

From Salon

Related Words

• bone