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

• 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

David James Redford – the third of four children born to Robert Redford and former wife Lola Van Wagenen – had followed in his father’s footsteps as an activist, filmmaker and philanthropist. —Tricia Escobedo, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025

And Ezra Sosa American gymnast Jordan Chiles joins the celebrity roster, following in the footsteps of fellow gymnasts Shawn Johnson, Laurie Hernandez, Suni Lee and Stephen Nedroscik. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, Duhamel tells PEOPLE that his eldest son Axl isn’t thinking about following his footsteps into the entertainment industry anytime soon. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025

The teenage model, who is quickly following in his mom and dad, Djimon Hounsou’s footsteps, also did an interview on behalf of the clothing brand. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for footstep

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

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