What does pedicure mean?
A pedicure is a cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails, typically involving soaking, cleaning, trimming, shaping, and polishing the nails. It may also include exfoliation, massage, and the application of moisturizing products. The word can be used as a noun for the treatment itself, as in having a pedicure, or as a verb meaning to perform such care. Pedicures are associated with grooming, relaxation, and personal hygiene, though the term does not normally imply medical treatment for a foot condition. A manicure performs a similar service for the fingernails, while podiatry refers to the professional medical care of the feet. The word comes from French pédicure, formed from Latin roots meaning “foot” and “care,” and accurately reflects its long-established focus on maintaining the appearance and condition of the feet.
A cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails, especially one involving cleaning, trimming, shaping, and polishing the nails.
"I treated myself to a pedicure and a manicure."
The term usually denotes cosmetic rather than medical care.
To clean, shape, and polish the toenails and otherwise groom the feet.
"She pedicured her nails before the photographs were taken."
The verb is commonly used for personal grooming at home or in a salon.
The plural refers to individual pedicure treatments.
"She regularly schedules pedicures at the local salon."
A pedicure treats the feet; its name literally means “care of the foot,” from Latin pedis, “foot,” and cura, “care.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pedicure come from?
The word entered English from French pédicure, which combines Latin pedis, meaning “of the foot,” with cura, meaning “care.” The Latin root pedis also underlies English words such as pedal, pedestrian, and pedometer, as well as impede. French pédicure originally referred to the care and treatment of the feet and was later especially associated with cosmetic toenail care.
Related word forms
How pedicure is actually used
The word is common in North America and increasingly used in British English. In a medical setting, foot care and podiatry are more appropriate terms than pedicure.
Easily confused with pedicure
A manicure is the cosmetic treatment of the fingernails, whereas a pedicure concerns the toenails and feet.
Podiatry is the medical diagnosis and treatment of foot conditions, while a pedicure is primarily a cosmetic foot and toenail treatment.