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 organizers position HollyShorts as an incubator for short-form talent, and have been expanding the event’s international footprint.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 17 Nov. 2025
However, James' story began to fall apart when investigators found inconsistencies in his version of events and the evidence, including Ashley's body being on the passenger side and footprints found near the driver's door.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 Nov. 2025
The photos indicate that the former East Wing footprint has been largely stripped down, with nearly all remnants of the old structure cleared away.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025
Etteliot's sales footprint is concentrated in France but also includes select locations around Spain, Germany and other EU countries.
—New Atlas, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for footprint
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Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 17 Nov. 2025
However, James' story began to fall apart when investigators found inconsistencies in his version of events and the evidence, including Ashley's body being on the passenger side and footprints found near the driver's door.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 Nov. 2025
The photos indicate that the former East Wing footprint has been largely stripped down, with nearly all remnants of the old structure cleared away.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025
Etteliot's sales footprint is concentrated in France but also includes select locations around Spain, Germany and other EU countries.
—New Atlas, 15 Nov. 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 22 Nov. 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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