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 their father's footsteps

Synonyms of footstep

• footprint
• step

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

With the honor, Cohen follows in the footsteps of previous recipients like Billy Porter, Michael Patrick King, Ricky Martin, Alan Cumming, Rosie O’Donnell, Cynthia Nixon, Anderson Cooper, Wilson Cruz, Tom Ford, Andy Cohen and more. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

Amell stars in the series lead role of Hobie Buchannon, wild child from the original series and now a Baywatch Captain, following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Mitch. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026

Clinkunbroomer had served eight years in the Sheriff’s Department at the time of his death — following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Cal and Aron are following in Charles and Adam’s fractured footsteps. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for footstep

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

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