footstep

noun

foot·​step ˈfu̇t-ˌstep How to pronounce footstep (audio)
Synonyms of footstepnext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Following in the footsteps of their 2023 collab (which sent the internet into a frenzy), the watchmaker and the Japanese motorsports brand have teamed up once more on a new Carrera Chronograph. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 July 2026 What has imperiled this novel from following in the footsteps of publishing phenomena from The Horse Whisperer to 50 Shades of Grey and The Hunger Games? — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 30 July 2026 The Las Vegas Aces Following in the footsteps of Iriafen, Wilson also pulls out a dark seductress look, one fit for an MVP. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Both Presley and Kaia have followed in their mother’s footsteps on the runway by pursuing modeling. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for footstep

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of footstep was in the 13th century

Rhymes for footstep

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Browse Nearby Words

footstall
footstep
footstick
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Footstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footstep. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

footstep

noun
foot·​step -ˌstep How to pronounce footstep (audio)
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

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Nglish: Translation of footstep for Spanish Speakers

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