toehold

noun

toe·​hold ˈtō-ˌhōld How to pronounce toehold (audio)
Synonyms of toeholdnext
1
a
: a hold or place of support for the toes (as in climbing)
b(1)
: a means of progressing (as in surmounting barriers)
(2)
: a slight footing
… used his money to get a toehold, then a foothold, then a near stranglehold on the political economy …—R. W. Armstrong
2
: an illegal wrestling hold in which the aggressor bends or twists the other wrestler's foot

Examples of toehold in a Sentence

American companies looking for toeholds in foreign markets.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Turk has long kept a toehold in Palm Springs. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2026 Only a few alders had managed to find a toehold. — Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026 Fresh graduates have spent the past few years being told about the wonders of AI and watched seniors struggle to get a toehold in the labor market. — Conor Sen, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026 When motivated young people can’t get a toehold in the labor market, the engine of talent development in America begins grinding to a halt. — Brandon Busteed, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for toehold

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of toehold was in 1880

Rhymes for toehold

See All Rhymes for toehold

Browse Nearby Words

toe hardie
toehold
toe-in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toehold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toehold. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

toehold

noun
toe·​hold ˈtō-ˌhōld How to pronounce toehold (audio)
: a hold or support for the toes (as in climbing)

More from Merriam-Webster on toehold

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for toehold

Nglish: Translation of toehold for Spanish Speakers

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