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

By retracing Berezovska’s footsteps, finding witnesses and hearing from one of the men accused of killing her, CNN has uncovered a tale of violence, strange twists and unanswered questions. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

The transfer from Tennessee may very well follow in the two-way footsteps of Travis Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner for the Buffaloes who's now with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

The younger Rivers will be headed to North Carolina State, following in the sizable footsteps of his father. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Following in her sister Khloé Kardashian’s footsteps, Kim Kardashian has found her own niche friend group to bring to reality TV. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 18 Aug. 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