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

Ring Concierge is expanding its retail footprint across the U.S. The 11-year-old fine jewelry label is opening three stores this fall, starting on Saturday with a location in Los Angeles at 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 20 Sep. 2024

Tesla continues to benefit from its manufacturing footprint in China. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024

Despite its growing footprint, the fungus continues to be concentrated in the southern part of California’s Central Valley and through the Central Coast. —Harriet Blair Rowan, The Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2024

Additionally, low-flow plumbing and energy-efficient light fixtures were installed, further reducing the cabin’s environmental footprint. —New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing footprint

• carbon footprint

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