Heel
hiːl
Definitions
3 meaningsThe rounded back part of the foot, below the ankle.
hiːl
The back part of the foot.
The shoe rubbed against my heel and gave me a blister.
💡 Simply: Your heel is the back part of your foot that touches the ground. Imagine you're wearing new shoes, and your heel might hurt from the rubbing!
👶 For kids: The heel is the back part of your foot, like the part that touches the ground when you walk.
More Examples
She broke her heel while running on the track.
High heels can be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.
How It's Used
"She had a blister on her heel after a long hike."
"She wore high heels to the party."
The raised part of a shoe or boot that supports the heel of the foot.
hiːl
The part of a shoe that is in contact with the ground.
The heel of the boot was made of sturdy leather.
💡 Simply: The heel is the part of your shoe that's raised off the ground. When you're walking, the heel helps to support your foot.
👶 For kids: The heel is the part of your shoe that's on the bottom and makes it higher.
More Examples
She broke her heel while walking on the uneven pavement.
The cobbler resoled my shoes and replaced the worn-out heels.
How It's Used
"The heel of the boot was very high."
"The shoemaker replaced the heels on my boots."
To walk closely behind someone or something, especially on command (for a dog).
hiːl
To follow closely behind someone.
The dog was trained to heel perfectly.
💡 Simply: To heel means to follow someone or something very closely, like a dog following its owner. Imagine your dog walking right by your side without pulling ahead!
👶 For kids: To heel means to follow someone very closely, like a dog walks right behind their owner.
More Examples
The detective heeled the suspect for hours.
He told his dog to heel and it followed obediently.
How It's Used
"The dog was trained to heel on command."
"The paparazzi were heeling the celebrity everywhere."
Idioms & expressions
to cool one's heels
To wait, especially for a long time.
"I had to cool my heels for an hour before they finally called my name."
heel over head
Completely; head over heels.
"He fell heel over head in love with her."
down at the heels
Poor and in need of money; shabby or worn.
"After losing his job, he became down at the heels."
From Old English hēla, from Proto-Germanic *hilō. Related to Dutch hiel and German Ferse.
The word 'heel' has been used in its current sense since Old English times.
Memory tip
Think of where your shoe presses against your foot.