1 tenderfeet | Definition of tenderfeet
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tenderfoot

noun
ten·​der·​foot | \ ˈten-dÉ™r-ËŒfu̇t How to pronounce tenderfoot (audio) \
plural tenderfeet\ ˈten-​dÉ™r-​ËŒfÄ“t How to pronounce tenderfeet (audio) \ also tenderfoots\ ˈten-​dÉ™r-​ËŒfu̇ts How to pronounce tenderfoots (audio) \

Definition of tenderfoot

1 : an inexperienced beginner : novice a political tenderfoot
2 : a newcomer in a comparatively rough or newly settled region especially : one not hardened to frontier or outdoor life
Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about tenderfoot

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Examples of tenderfoot in a Sentence

skateboarders who are tenderfeet will inevitably fall as they learn their first moves

Recent Examples on the Web

 But like a tenderfoot scout who confidently builds a campfire only to end up burning down the forest, Kalanick’s loose management — of his staff and himself — paved the way for a cascade of embarrassing scandals by 2014. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: Uber’s guerrilla tactics and tech-bro parties chronicled in ‘Super Pumped’," 5 Sep. 2019 The film stars Robert Pattinson as Samuel Alabaster, a foppishly dressed tenderfoot who shows up on the Oregon territory with miniature horse named Butterscotch, looking to hire a preacher (David Zellner) for a wedding. — Gary Thompson, Philly.com, "'Damsel': Robert Pattinson neo-western shoots itself in its hipster foot," 27 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tenderfoot.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of tenderfoot

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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More Definitions for tenderfoot

tenderfoot

noun
How to pronounce tenderfoot (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of tenderfoot

US, informal
: someone who has just started doing something
: a person who is not used to living in rough conditions or outdoors

See the full definition for tenderfoot in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on tenderfoot

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with tenderfoot

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tenderfoot

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