barefoot

adverb or adjective

bare·​foot ˈber-ˌfu̇t How to pronounce barefoot (audio)
variants or barefooted
: with the feet bare
walked barefoot
barefoot boy, with cheek of tanJ. G. Whittier

Examples of barefoot in a Sentence

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.
The man, who was barefoot and wearing all black, clung precariously to the side of the tower – home to one of the world’s most famous clocks – as the fire brigade attempted to speak with him. Billy Stockwell, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025 Israelis were horrified by the sight of three emaciated hostages in an earlier release this month, and revelations about hostages being held alone, barefoot or in chains have increased the pressure on Netanyahu’s government to push ahead with the ceasefire’s next phase. Natalie Melzer, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025 The Buffalo Bills wide receiver added a hat that paid homage to his team and went barefoot outside. Julia Teti, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025 In footage shared with NBC News, she can be seen barefoot, wearing gray sweatpants and a black T-shirt, with her hands tied behind her back and blood on her ankles. Tovah Lazaroff, NBC News, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for barefoot

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barefoot was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Barefoot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barefoot. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

barefoot

adverb or adjective
bare·​foot -ˌfu̇t How to pronounce barefoot (audio)
variants or barefooted
: with the feet bare : without shoes

More from Merriam-Webster on barefoot

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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