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

The researchers also note any other signs of bear activity in the area, such as footprints, scat or a sighting of a live bear. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Many agree that the surge in data centers, not Illinois clean energy law, is the primary cause of skyrocketing power prices across power grid operator PJM’s 13-state footprint. — Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

The pairing lets Viu’s footprint across Southeast Asia carry TrueVisions Now’s expanding library to new audiences in the region. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

Donations will help fill two new stores planned to open this year as Goodwill South Florida expands its retail footprint, according to Lithgow. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 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