footstep

noun

foot·​step ˈfu̇t-ˌstep 

1

: the mark of the foot : track

2

a

: tread

b

: distance covered by a step : pace

3

: a step on which to ascend or descend

4

: a way of life, conduct, or action

followed in their father's footsteps

Synonyms of footstep

• footprint
• step

Examples of footstep in a Sentence

She slowly took one footstep toward the frightened animal.

It's five footsteps from the bedroom to the bathroom.

Recent Examples on the Web

While Stephan specialized in trauma surgery, orthopedics, and sports medicine, Alexander followed his father’s footsteps into aesthetics. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

Brexton is Busch’s 11-year-old son who has already begun following in his father’s footsteps and has racked up numerous wins in races around the country. —Dianne Gallagher, CNN Money, 23 May 2026

Jay and Courtney follow in the footsteps of a long line of legendary locals such as Jack Haley, Mike Haley, Robert August, Bill Fury, John Boozer, Randy Lewis, David Nuuhiwa, Bud Lamas, Richard Chew and Carl Hayward. —Corky Carroll, Oc Register, 23 May 2026

Walk in the footsteps of famous Irish authors and playwrights at Dunguaire Castle. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for footstep

• bicep
• doorstep
• instep
• misstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep
• rep
• sep
• step

Kids Definition

footstep

noun

foot·​step -ˌstep 

1

a

: a step of the foot

b

: the distance covered by a step : pace

2

a

: the mark of the foot

b

: the sound of a footstep

3

: a step on which to go up or down