little toe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral
Quick answer
What does “little toe” mean?
The smallest and outermost of the five toes on each human foot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The smallest and outermost of the five toes on each human foot.
By extension, can refer to something considered small, insignificant, or easily damaged (metaphorically).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical difference; term is identical. Minor potential spelling differences if used in adjectival phrases (e.g., 'little-toed').
Connotations
Identical anatomical reference.
Frequency
Slightly more common in medical or everyday descriptive contexts than the clinical term 'fifth toe'.
Grammar
How to Use “little toe” in a Sentence
I stubbed my [little toe] on the door.She fractured her [little toe].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “little toe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The footballer toe-poked the ball into the net with his little toe.
- He tried to toe the line despite the pain in his little toe.
American English
- He toe-punted the football with his little toe.
- She carefully toed the edge of the pool deck, her little toe overhanging.
adjective
British English
- He had a little-toe injury that kept him from running.
- The ballet shoes were tight around the little-toe area.
American English
- She wore a little-toe protector in her new cleats.
- He had a painful little-toe corn.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'a little toe in the water' (a small initial investment).
Academic
Used in anatomical, medical, and biological contexts.
Everyday
Common in narratives of minor injury or describing footwear fit.
Technical
Standard term in podiatry, anatomy, and orthopaedics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “little toe”
- Using 'small toe' (uncommon). Using 'little toe' to refer to the little finger without context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'pinky toe' is a common informal synonym, especially in American English.
The opposite is the 'big toe' (also called the 'hallux' or 'great toe').
No, not in English. You must use the full compound 'little toe' for clarity.
Yes. Although small, it plays a significant role in balance and foot stability, especially during the 'push-off' phase of walking.
The smallest and outermost of the five toes on each human foot.
Little toe is usually neutral in register.
Little toe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪt(ə)l təʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪt(ə)l toʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “From head to toe”
- “Toe the line”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LITTLE TOE' = the 'LITTLEST' one on the end. It's the 'pinky' of the foot.
Conceptual Metaphor
INSIGNIFICANCE IS SMALLEST EXTREMITY ('He's just a little toe in the department.').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common collocation with 'little toe'?