heel
Plural
heels
1
the back of the sole of a shoe or boot
A heel is the back part of a shoe that is elevated from the ground, often serving to support the foot and add height to the wearer. Heels come in various shapes and sizes, from flat to high, and can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, or rubber. Heels can be attached to the sole of the shoe through various methods, including screws, nails, or glue. They can also be designed for different purposes, such as providing stability or adding a fashionable touch to a shoe.
2
the back part of the foot, below the ankle
The heel is the back part of the foot, located below the ankle and behind the arch. It is a weight-bearing structure that provides stability and support during walking, running, and standing. Composed of bone, muscle, fat, and connective tissues, the heel absorbs impact and helps propel the body forward. The heel is also home to the calcaneus bone, which plays a vital role in supporting the body's weight. Understanding the anatomy and function of the heel is important for maintaining balance, preventing injuries, and ensuring proper foot mechanics.
- He wore comfortable shoes to support his heels during the long walk.
- She felt a sharp pain in her heel after running for a long time.
- She stepped on a pebble, causing discomfort in her heel.
- The athlete stretched his calf muscles to relieve tension in the heels.
- The dancer balanced gracefully on her tiptoes, never touching her heels to the ground.
3
(golf) a part of the clubhead, specifically the area closest to the shaft
The heel of a golf club refers to the part of the clubhead that is closest to the shaft. It is located on the inner side of the clubhead, near where the shaft connects. When hitting the ball, contact made with the heel can result in less accurate shots, as it can cause the ball to go in an unintended direction. The heel is an important part of the club's design, as it helps with balance and stability when striking the ball.
- He struck the ball off the heel of the club, causing it to veer off course.
- The golfer adjusted his stance to avoid hitting the ball with the heel.
- She felt a slight vibration in her hands when she hit the ball with the heel.
- The heel of his club showed signs of wear from frequent use.
- He aimed carefully to prevent hitting the ball with the heel.
4
the lower end of a ship's mast
5
one of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread
6
someone who is morally reprehensible
Synonyms:
7
a wrestler who is a bad guy or has a villainous character, typically followed by the audience dislikes and boos
A heel is a term used in professional wrestling to describe a wrestler who portrays a villain or antagonist role. Heels are often disliked by the audience because they engage in actions such as cheating, attacking opponents unfairly, or insulting the crowd. Their behavior contrasts with that of the "face," or hero, who is typically portrayed as the good guy. Heels are an important part of wrestling storylines, as they create conflict and drama, making the matches more engaging for fans.
- The heel insulted his opponent's hometown to rile up the audience.
- The heel taunted the crowd after his cheap victory.
- Despite being a heel, he had a strong fan following for his charisma.
- The heel's manager interfered in the match to help him win unfairly.
- Fans threw trash into the ring to express their disdain for the heel.
8
a command given to a dog to walk closely and attentively next to its owner or handler, typically at their side, without pulling ahead or lagging behind
- She gave the dog a firm "heel" and it immediately walked beside her.
- When you say "heel," your dog should stay close to you during the walk.
- The trainer instructed the puppy to heel before starting the obedience course.
- He made his dog heel before crossing the street for safety.
- She praised her dog when it heeled perfectly during their walk in the park.
9
a contemptible person, often someone who behaves in a dishonest, mean-spirited, or self-serving manner
- He’s such a heel for abandoning his friends when they needed him the most.
- I can’t believe she acted like such a heel and lied to everyone about the situation.
- If you keep behaving like a heel, you’ll lose all your real friends.
- How could you be such a heel and hurt someone who trusted you?
- She's not a heel, she's just misunderstood and trying to figure things out.