Pronunciation

/hiːl/

Definitions

• Noun: The back part of the foot below the ankle joint, where it joins with the leg. For example: “She put on her shoes and tied the laces around her heels.”
• Noun (figurative): The end or bottom of something considered in relation to its direction or position, e.g., “The heel of the year is December.”
• Verb: To walk or dance on the heels; to follow closely behind someone. For instance: “The dog heeled obediently at his master’s side.”
• Verb (archaic): To attach a heel to something, usually a shoe.
• Verb (in sewing): To turn up the edge of fabric as in hemming a garment.

Phrases

• “On your heels”: Close behind someone, following them very closely.
• “At someone’s heels”: Following immediately behind someone, often annoyingly or pressingly.
• “Achilles’ heel”: A person’s weakness or vulnerable point, referring to the Greek mythological character Achilles who was invulnerable everywhere except his heel.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “She bought new high heels for the wedding.”
• Verb: “The puppy was trained to heel beside its owner while walking.”
• Noun (figurative): “We’re reaching the heel of the winter season now.”

Synonyms

• Rearfoot
• Hindfoot
• Heel bone (calcaneus)
• (For verb sense) Follow closely, stick to, trail, shadow

Idiomatic expressions

• “Give someone the cold shoulder”: Treat someone unkindly or indifferently, ignoring them; originally referred to turning one’s back, showing only the cold shoulder blade instead of a warmer greeting like a handshake or embrace.
• “Dig your heels in”: Refuse to change your opinion or course of action stubbornly, much like how a horse might resist moving by planting its heels firmly into the ground.