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

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

4

: something that identifies

a genetic footprint

Synonyms

• footstep

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

Now the eatery is looking to expand its footprint. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025

The Swedish series is the latest original from Comcast and Paramount owned SkyShowtime and will play across the streamer’s footprint of European territories. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025

Reimagining the value of space With hybrid work models in place and many tenants scaling down their office footprints, owners are left with prime real estate like conference rooms, lounges, fitness centers, and even rooftops sitting empty during off-peak hours. —Mark Zettl, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Africa’s under representation on digital platforms is a result of our limited infrastructure, slow digitization progress, strong oral traditions, and the 2,000+ languages spoken on the continent — many of which don’t have a digital footprint. —Moky Makura, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing footprint

• carbon footprint

Rhymes for footprint

• blueprint
• imprint
• misprint
• newsprint
• nonprint
• preprint
• reprint
• clint
• dint
• glint
• hint
• lint

Kids 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