This meaning is about the body part at the back of your foot. It is just below your ankle. We use it to talk about pain or parts of the foot.
I hurt my heel while running.
She stepped on a stone with her heel.
This meaning is about the part of a shoe or sock that is at the back near the foot’s heel. It often gets worn out or broken.
My shoe heel needs to be fixed.
The sock has a hole in the heel.
This meaning is about the small block under the back of a shoe that lifts your foot. It can be low or high, like in high heels.
She likes to wear high heels.
The heel of this boot is very strong.
Used as a verb, 'heel' means to stay close behind someone, often used for animals like dogs or horses obeying their owner.
The dog heeled beside its owner.
Please heel your horse tightly.
This figurative use means to change loyalty or give in. It often refers to people who switch sides or stop supporting something.
He heeled to the other team during debate.
They heeled under the pressure quickly.
Used as a noun in a negative way, 'heel' means a bad or dishonest person. It is often used in stories or old-fashioned speech.
The heel cheated everyone in town.
Don't trust that heel again.
This meaning is about the last part or edge of a bread loaf. It is often harder or crusty and is sometimes saved or eaten last.
I like to eat the heel of the bread.
The bread heel is crunchy and nice.
