toe-out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “toe-out” mean?
The outward angling of the front wheels of a vehicle or the orientation of the feet while walking or standing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The outward angling of the front wheels of a vehicle or the orientation of the feet while walking or standing.
A measurement or specification in automotive mechanics, biomechanics, or podiatry, referring to a splayed orientation. In sports, it can refer to a stance where feet point away from the body's centerline.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical and universally technical. Colloquial usage is rare.
Connotations
No distinct connotations; purely descriptive of a mechanical or anatomical alignment.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency in both automotive and medical contexts in the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “toe-out” in a Sentence
The mechanic [verb] the [noun] to correct the toe-out.You can [verb] a toe-out by [verb+ing].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toe-out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new suspension caused the wheels to toe out slightly.
- If you toe out too much while squatting, you risk injury.
American English
- The mechanic told me my front wheels are toeing out.
- Dancers are often taught to toe out from the hip.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of selling vehicle alignment services or orthopedic footwear.
Academic
Used in biomechanics, automotive engineering, and kinesiology research papers.
Everyday
Uncommon; might be mentioned when discussing car tyre wear or a person's gait.
Technical
The primary domain for this term, used in garages, physiotherapy clinics, and sports coaching.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toe-out”
- Confusing 'toe-out' with 'toe-in'. Using it as an adjective without a hyphen (e.g., 'toe out position').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a hyphenated compound word: 'toe-out'.
The direct opposite is 'toe-in'. In a medical/podiatric context, 'pigeon-toed' is a related antonym.
Yes, the verb phrase is 'to toe out' (e.g., 'His feet toe out when he runs').
It depends on the vehicle and its purpose. While excessive toe-out on a standard road car causes premature tyre wear, a small amount might be used in high-performance racing setups for handling characteristics.
The outward angling of the front wheels of a vehicle or the orientation of the feet while walking or standing.
Toe-out is usually technical/formal in register.
Toe-out: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊ aʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊ aʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He walked with a noticeable toe-out, like a cowboy.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of your TOEs pointing OUTwards like a duck's feet.
Conceptual Metaphor
ALIGNMENT IS DIRECTION; THE BODY/VEHICLE IS A MACHINE.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'toe-out' LEAST likely to be used?