B2noun1K

Heel

UK /["/hiːl/"]/US /["/hiːl/"]/

Definition

the back part of the foot below the ankle

In simple words: The back part of your foot below your ankle.

Examples

  • She stepped on his heel accidentally while dancing.
  • The dog nipped at my heel as I walked by.
  • His heel was injured during the soccer match.
  • She wore high heels to the party, which made her taller.
  • To heal from his injury, he needed to take a break from running.
  • The doctor recommended exercises to strengthen his heel and foot.

Usage notes

Used in contexts related to anatomy, footwear, and injuries. It's not typically used in formal writing unless discussing foot health. Informal uses can include slang expressions.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'heel' as the 'heel of your shoe' to remember its position at the back.

Collocations

  • lean back on
  • sit back on
  • squat on
  • click
  • injury
  • at your heels
  • under the heel
  • close on somebody’s heels
  • hard on somebody’s heels
  • hot on somebody’s heels
  • low
  • high
  • spike
  • catch
  • bar
  • low
  • high
  • spike
  • catch
  • bar

Synonyms

  • rear foot
  • back of the foot
  • shoe heel

Antonyms

  • toe
  • tip

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'heal', as in to recover from an injury.
  • Using it as a verb instead of as a noun.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'hill'.