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

Right tackle Rob Havenstein will sit out a second consecutive game because of an ankle injury, and Noteboom did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, so second-year pro Warren McClendon Jr. would seem to be the starter at right tackle.

From Los Angeles Times

Williams had rushed for 456 yards and scored seven touchdowns in the first six games before suffering an ankle injury that sidelined him for four games.

From Los Angeles Times

Raducanu is completing her first season after eight months off tour to recover from hand and ankle operations.

From BBC

Raducanu has played just 33 matches this year after returning from the wrist and ankle surgeries which ruled her out of most of last season.

From BBC

"Jamal Lewis came in with an ankle issue and he has left the camp as well, so we have a 25-man squad and we have more than enough to get through the two games."

From BBC

Related Words

• bone