footstep

noun

foot·​step ˈfu̇t-ˌstep 

1

: the mark of the foot : track

2

a

: tread

b

: distance covered by a step : pace

3

: a step on which to ascend or descend

4

: a way of life, conduct, or action

followed in his father's footsteps

Synonyms

• footmark
• footprint
• step
• trace
• vestige

Examples of footstep in a Sentence

She slowly took one footstep toward the frightened animal.

It's five footsteps from the bedroom to the bathroom.

Recent Examples on the Web

Little Simz follows in the footsteps of music icon Chaka Khan–who curated Meltdown in 2024–and takes the reins for the festival’s 30th anniversary edition. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Sarah Snook, who played Shiv Roy on that HBO drama, was nominated (and went on to win!), following in the footsteps of her costars Jeremy Strong and Keiran Culkin. —Melissa Locker, Time, 9 June 2025

At the end of 2022's Wakanda Forever, Shuri (Wright) has become the new Black Panther, following in her brother's footsteps. —Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 7 June 2025

Below, Bridges and Ritter discuss their easy chemistry, following in their fathers’ footsteps and the power of a good hug. —Jenelle Riley, Variety, 5 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for footstep

• bicep
• doorstep
• instep
• lockstep
• misstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep
• rep
• sep

Kids Definition

footstep

noun

foot·​step -ˌstep 

1

a

: a step of the foot

b

: the distance covered by a step : pace

2

a

: the mark of the foot

b

: the sound of a footstep

3

: a step on which to go up or down