digitigrade: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “digitigrade” mean?
Walking on the toes, with the heels not touching the ground.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Walking on the toes, with the heels not touching the ground.
Pertaining to mammals (like cats, dogs, birds) whose normal walking posture is on their toes/fingers (phalanges), as opposed to the entire sole of the foot. Can also be used in a specialized zoological sense to describe a specific type of animal locomotion or foot structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identically technical and precise in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, limited to specialised fields.
Grammar
How to Use “digitigrade” in a Sentence
[BE] + digitigrade[HAVE] + a digitigrade + gait/structureVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digitigrade” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cheetah's digitigrade limbs contribute to its remarkable acceleration.
American English
- In the game, the dragon was designed with a digitigrade leg structure for a more alien look.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biological sciences, veterinary medicine, paleontology, and comparative anatomy.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in nature documentaries or advanced reading about animals.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Precise descriptor in zoology, biomechanics, and creature design for animation/gaming.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “digitigrade”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “digitigrade”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digitigrade”
- Using it to describe humans ('He ran in a digitigrade manner') is technically incorrect. Confusing it with 'plantigrade'. Misspelling as 'digetigrade' or 'digitgrade'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, humans are plantigrade. We walk with the entire sole of the foot (from heel to toe) in contact with the ground.
It typically allows for greater speed, agility, and quieter movement, as it increases the length of the limbs and provides a spring-like action.
Very rarely. Its primary and almost exclusive use is as an adjective (e.g., 'a digitigrade mammal'). The noun form ('digitigrades') is highly technical.
In speculative fiction, fantasy bestiaries, or video games where artists and designers use anatomical terms to create believable non-human creatures (e.g., aliens or mythical beasts with animal-like legs).
Walking on the toes, with the heels not touching the ground.
Digitigrade is usually technical/formal in register.
Digitigrade: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.tɪ.ɡreɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.t̬ə.ɡreɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DIGIT (finger/toe) + I + GRADE (as in 'to walk'). Animals that walk on their digits (toes) are digitigrade.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFICIENCY/SPEED IS BEING ON YOUR TOES (Digitigrade animals are often faster and more agile than plantigrade ones).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best example of a digitigrade animal?