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
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
Natasha Frost4
: 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
Despite the leap in scale, the processor fits in a smaller footprint than current systems.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 2025
Additionally, the durability and design-intrinsic nature of jacquard reduce the need for post-production finishes, which can help reduce a garment’s overall environmental footprint.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025
China expands its military might China appeared to be growing its military footprint across land, air, and sea in multiple geographies.
—semafor.com, 8 Dec. 2025
As proposed, the Nexstar-Tegna deal would double that footprint.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for footprint
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 2025
Additionally, the durability and design-intrinsic nature of jacquard reduce the need for post-production finishes, which can help reduce a garment’s overall environmental footprint.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025
China expands its military might China appeared to be growing its military footprint across land, air, and sea in multiple geographies.
—semafor.com, 8 Dec. 2025
As proposed, the Nexstar-Tegna deal would double that footprint.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for footprint
Cite this Entry
“Footprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footprint. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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