footprint

noun

foot·​print ˈfu̇t-ˌprint How to pronounce footprint (audio)
Synonyms of footprintnext
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 footprintDennis 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Studiocanal is expected to release theatrically across their territory footprint of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Benelux, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 23 May 2026 What 'regime change' might entail While Warsh has spoken in broad strokes about shrinking the Fed's footprint, Wall Street already is gaming out what a new operating framework could look like. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 22 May 2026 The two, wearing matching gray suits, were being honored at the Ocean's Thirteen handprint and footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood in June 2007. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026 Firefly expands Central Texas footprint. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for footprint

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of footprint was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Footprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footprint. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

footprint

noun
foot·​print ˈfu̇t-ˌprint How to pronounce footprint (audio)
: a track left by the foot

Medical Definition

footprint

noun
foot·​print ˈfu̇t-ˌprint How to pronounce footprint (audio)
: an impression of the foot on a surface

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