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

As the only manager to steer four different clubs to promotion from the second tier of English football, Neil Warnock has words of encouragement for all those looking to follow in his footsteps during the coming season. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Adela follows her grandfather’s footsteps while transforming his political and anthropological work into art, weaving a sound map from languages at risk of disappearing. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

After catching six passes in two seasons, Moore never envisioned following in the footsteps of local legend Jason Witten, a record-setting tight end with the Cowboys. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Following in the footsteps of Phoebe Snow, Aretha Franklin and Boyz II Men, Brandy will sing the theme song for A Different World. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Aug. 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