footprint

noun

foot·​print ˈfu̇t-ˌprint 

1

: an impression of the foot on a surface

2

a

: the area on a surface covered by something

a tire with a wide footprint

the footprint of a laser beam

b

: range of operation (as of a service)

a global footprint

3

: a marked effect, impression, or impact

left a footprint in the field of research

4

: something that identifies

a genetic footprint

Synonyms

• footmark
• footstep
• step
• trace
• vestige

Examples of footprint in a Sentence

The child left her tiny footprints in the snow.

He walked into the kitchen with his boots on, making muddy footprints on the floor.

The new model has a smaller footprint than the older model.

Recent Examples on the Web

Given the smaller internal footprint of a foldable device, which can lead to physical performance constraints, the lower gain does feel reasonable. —Ewan Spence, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

The remaining footprints, coming to a total of 34, were classified as isolated footprints, accounting for the 47 total individuals. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025

Theresa Ory Interiors Designer Theresa Ory renovated her personal kitchen in North Atlanta, removing a divisional wall and an awkward peninsula to expand the footprint of the kitchen and improve the overall flow. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025

The trim screen bezels help fit the 16-inch screen into a smaller footprint, too. —Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing footprint

• carbon footprint

Rhymes for footprint

• blueprint
• imprint
• misprint
• newsprint
• nonprint
• preprint
• reprint
• clint
• dint
• glint
• hint
• lint

Kids Definition

footprint

noun

foot·​print ˈfu̇t-ˌprint 

: a track left by the foot

Medical Definition

footprint

noun

foot·​print ˈfu̇t-ˌprint 

: an impression of the foot on a surface