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 his father's footsteps

Synonyms

• footmark
• footprint
• step
• trace
• vestige

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

Following the footsteps of his maternal grandfather, Schlossberg graduated from Harvard Law School in 2022, with a joint Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration qualification. —Violet Goldstone, WWD, 25 Sep. 2024

Kline and Lacy had been elevated to co-chairs and co-presidents at the beginning of 2023, jointly following in the footsteps of John Esposito, after that longtime label topper announced his retirement in 2022. —Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2024

On September 14, the boxing champion, who gracefully followed in her father’s footsteps, also posted an image of Curtis headed to homecoming and looking sharp in an all-black suit. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 Sep. 2024

Sally Rooney’s third novel will not be following in the footsteps of Normal People and Conversations with Friends. —Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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