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
The service To minimize its environmental footprint, the hotel employs locals—from builders and gardeners to chefs and hotel staff—who are happy to advise on boat trips, hikes in the mountains, and the best restaurants in nearby villages.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2026
Instead of trying to fit as much into a small footprint as possible, the spaces are able to breathe and actually be enjoyed.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Buyers are no longer chasing the biggest footprint or the glossiest finishes.
—Mary Grace Granados
special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
No one would ever mistake border czar Tom Homan as a softie, but his replacement of Greg Bovino softened the look of Washington’s footprint there, giving way to a drawdown of force.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for footprint
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2026
Instead of trying to fit as much into a small footprint as possible, the spaces are able to breathe and actually be enjoyed.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Buyers are no longer chasing the biggest footprint or the glossiest finishes.
—Mary Grace Granados
special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
No one would ever mistake border czar Tom Homan as a softie, but his replacement of Greg Bovino softened the look of Washington’s footprint there, giving way to a drawdown of force.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for footprint
Cite this Entry
“Footprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footprint. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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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