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
While a lineup is still in progress, the scope of Ludlow’s ambition is formidable — the fest will ban fossil fuels from its footprint, and earned a strong vouch from the California Coastal Commission.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Compared to major defense contractors, that footprint is very small.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
In Canada, bookings grew from 15 to nearly 40 Landmark Cinemas locations, covering more than 90% of the exhibitor’s footprint.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
If that does occur, those conversions would grow Whole Foods Market’s footprint in Southern California, where dozens of locations already operate.
—Paris Barraza, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for footprint
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Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Compared to major defense contractors, that footprint is very small.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
In Canada, bookings grew from 15 to nearly 40 Landmark Cinemas locations, covering more than 90% of the exhibitor’s footprint.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
If that does occur, those conversions would grow Whole Foods Market’s footprint in Southern California, where dozens of locations already operate.
—Paris Barraza, USA Today, 4 Feb. 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 13 Feb. 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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