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

When asked about the best way for people to advocate for Colombians, Rúa recommended people follow in his footsteps, using social media as a way to call for government action. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 30 Oct. 2026

There were also rumblings of mysterious footsteps and slamming doors. — Lauren Mechling, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2026

At first, young Ursula seemed destined to follow in her mother’s footsteps, taking a job in the same tavern. — News Desk, Artforum, 29 Oct. 2026

Buying the car in 2003, the current steward followed in their footsteps, entering the D-Type in a multitude of key driving events, many with his son as co-driver. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 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