Definitions for heel

• Definition
• Anagrams (17)

heel heel

Spelling: [heel]

IPA: /hil/

Heel is a 4 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 7 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 7 points.

You can make 17 anagrams from letters in heel (eehl).

Definitions for heel

noun

1. the back part of the human foot, below and behind the ankle.
2. an analogous part in other vertebrates.
3. either hind foot or hoof of some animals, as the horse.
4. the foot as a whole:
5. the part of a stocking, shoe, or the like covering the back part of the wearer's foot.
6. a solid, raised base or support of leather, wood, rubber, etc., attached to the sole of a shoe or boot under the back part of the foot.
7. heels, high-heeled shoes.
8. something resembling the back part of the human foot in position, shape, etc.:
9. the rear of the palm, adjacent to the wrist.
10. the latter or concluding part of anything:
11. the lower end of any of various more or less vertical objects, as rafters, spars, or the sternposts of vessels.
12. Nautical. the after end of a keel. the inner end of a bowsprit or jib boom.
13. the crook in the head of a golf club.
14. Building Trades. the exterior angle of an angle iron.
15. Railroads. the end of a frog farthest from a switch.
16. Horticulture. the base of any part, as of a cutting or tuber, that is removed from a plant for use in the propagation of that plant.
17. a heeling movement; a cant.
18. a contemptibly dishonorable or irresponsible person:

Idioms

1. at one's heels, close behind one: Also, at heel.
2. cool one's heels, to be kept waiting, especially because of deliberate discourtesy:
3. down at the heels, having a shabby, slipshod, or slovenly appearance. Also, down at heel, down at the heel, out at heels, out at the heels.
4. his heels, Cribbage. a jack turned up as a starter, counting two points for the dealer.
5. kick up one's heels, to have a vigorously entertaining time; frolic:
6. lay by the heels, to arrest and imprison. to prevail over; render ineffectual:
7. on / upon the heels of, closely following; in quick succession of:
8. show a clean pair of heels, to leave one's pursuers or competitors behind; outrun: Also, show one's heels to.
9. take to one's heels, to run away; take flight:
10. to heel, close behind: under control or subjugation:

Verb phrases

1. heel in, to cover temporarily (the roots and most of the stem of a plant) with soil prior to permanent planting.

verb (used with object)

1. to follow at the heels of; chase closely.
2. to furnish with heels, as shoes.
3. to perform (a dance) with the heels.
4. Golf. to strike (the ball) with the heel of the club.
5. to arm (a gamecock) with spurs.
6. to cause to lean or cant.

verb (used without object)

1. (of a dog) to follow at one's heels on command.
2. to use the heels, as in dancing.
3. to incline to one side; cant; tilt:

Origin of heel

before 850; Middle English; Old English hēl(a); cognate with Dutch hiel, Old Norse hǣll. See hock¹

Examples for heel

If the heel hadn't broken off after four hours of wearing them (sigh), maybe I too would have been able to walk a mile.

He grew pale with passion, turned on his heel, and strode away.

Some, like Smart Socks, measure strike speed and heel placement for runner trying to get that next PR.

Then he got the fingernails of his right hand under the black tape near the heel and ripped it forward.

Buck would turn on his heel and stand, towering, in the door.

At times, he slapped the guitar box with two fingers or the heel of his hand as, in the same motion, he brushed the strings.

With an oath he turned on his heel and made for the uplands.

"You've treated me damned badly," said Banstead, turning on his heel.

The big man opened his mouth to say something more, then turned on his heel.

Around 3am, my spindly legs are beginning to ache from balancing on deck, as we heel with each tack.