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

Example Sentences

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

After turf toe sidelined him for two games during the 2009 season, he made 154 consecutive starts before a high ankle sprain sidelined him for one week in 2019.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2024

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

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 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