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

Following in her dad's footsteps, Lauren has begun her career in the entertainment industry and is known for her role in 2020's Stealing Chaplin. —Vandana Pawa, Peoplemag, 8 June 2024

Visit to walk in the footsteps of French royals in some of the palace’s thousands of rooms before admiring the spectacular Hall of Mirrors, which is the place where the infamous treaty to end World War I was signed. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 5 June 2024

Two decades since Torrejón blazed a lonely path, girls hopeful of following in her footsteps have an abundance of choice. —María Garrido, New York Times, 24 May 2024

McDonald will be following in the footsteps of legendary Broadway actresses like Ethel Merman, Tyne Daly, Angela Lansbury and Patti Lupone who have also played Rose on the stage. —Athena Sobhan, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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