footprint

noun

foot·​print ˈfu̇t-ˌprint 

1

: an impression of the foot on a surface

2

a

: the area on a surface covered by something

a tire with a wide footprint

the footprint of a laser beam

… a mini-transmitter … with a modest 5-inch x 5-inch x 3-inch footprint …

—Dennis P. Barker

b

: range of operation (as of a service)

a global footprint

3

: a marked effect, impression, or impact

left a footprint in the field of research

An Austrian artist canceled plans to sell 300 items of digital art … because of their mind-boggling environmental footprint.

—Natasha Frost

see also carbon footprint

4

: something that identifies

a genetic footprint

Synonyms of footprint

• footstep

Examples of footprint in a Sentence

The child left her tiny footprints in the snow.

He walked into the kitchen with his boots on, making muddy footprints on the floor.

The new model has a smaller footprint than the older model.

Recent Examples on the Web

Services, however, are expected to be the market’s real growth engine from here, fueled by an influx of new buyers and by large companies that once saw space as an afterthought and are now expanding their footprint. — Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026

Now the next crop of electric trucks are taking shape with smaller footprints, smaller battery packs, less power, and less capability, but much lower price tags. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 9 July 2026

When your kitchen has an unconventional layout—or an infamously compact New York City footprint—finding the right-size rug can feel nearly impossible. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026

Amenities and experiences Nobu Hotel shares Caesars’ huge pool and spa footprint but layers in its own small set of perks. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing footprint

• carbon footprint

Rhymes for footprint

• blueprint
• imprint
• misprint
• newsprint
• nonprint
• preprint
• reprint
• clint
• dint
• glint
• hint
• lint

Kids Definition

footprint

noun

foot·​print ˈfu̇t-ˌprint 

: a track left by the foot

Medical Definition

footprint

noun

foot·​print ˈfu̇t-ˌprint 

: an impression of the foot on a surface