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
Lowering project risks ITER Director-General Pietro Barabaschi noted that adapting this existing footprint allowed the organization to lower project risks logically before starting full system integration.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
The South Caucasus rarely commands attention until war breaks out, pipelines are threatened, or a great power expands its footprint.
—Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
The Red Sea destination promises barefoot luxury that leaves a light footprint, redefining what an upscale travel experience can be.
—Lauren Keith, Robb Report, 30 May 2026
Space transformed In terms of the Armory space, the renovation didn’t increase the footprint, but nearly every foot of space inside the walls was transformed, according to Minnesota National Guard officials.
—Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for footprint
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.
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
The South Caucasus rarely commands attention until war breaks out, pipelines are threatened, or a great power expands its footprint.
—Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
The Red Sea destination promises barefoot luxury that leaves a light footprint, redefining what an upscale travel experience can be.
—Lauren Keith, Robb Report, 30 May 2026
Space transformed In terms of the Armory space, the renovation didn’t increase the footprint, but nearly every foot of space inside the walls was transformed, according to Minnesota National Guard officials.
—Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 29 May 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 3 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
