footfall

noun

foot·​fall ˈfu̇t-ˌfȯl How to pronounce footfall (audio)
: the sound of a footstep

Examples of footfall in a Sentence

She heard footfalls echoing in the hall.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While privately processing his grief with each footfall on his hours-long outings, McEnaney knows firsthand the damage caused by the secrecy and shame surrounding suicide, a topic that the SOS Signs of Suicide program seeks to address. Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025 Less footfall perhaps, but from clients who are more likely to buy. Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 Villa can point towards its contribution to the local economy by creating jobs and increasing footfall in the surrounding areas. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Nonetheless, the lower footfall can be attributed to the impact of the FTSE 100 constituent’s store closure programme in order to shore up its margins. John Choong, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for footfall

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of footfall was circa 1616

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Cite this Entry

“Footfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footfall. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

footfall

noun
foot·​fall ˈfu̇t-ˌfȯl How to pronounce footfall (audio)
: the sound of a footstep
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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