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

Following in the footsteps of Eddie the Eagle and Cool Runnings, Next Goal Wins focuses on a real-life sporting underdog that even Hollywood recognizes is incapable of being turned into a champion team. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026

It was initially thought that Charles would follow in his mother’s footsteps and eventually move into the palace after renovations were complete, but that won’t be the case, it has officially been confirmed. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 26 June 2026

The former member of the Texas Tech Pom Squad who went viral during the Masters several years ago has followed in her mom's footsteps and become a professional cheerleader. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026

Tim became a professional soccer player, too, following in his father’s footsteps. — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 25 June 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