footpad

1 of 2

noun (1)

foot·​pad ˈfu̇t-ˌpad How to pronounce footpad (audio)
: a criminal who robs pedestrians

footpad

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a flattish foot on the leg of a spacecraft for distributing weight to minimize sinking into a surface

Examples of footpad in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The deck is 40 inches long and 10 inches wide at the footpads. William Roberson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 The cost of a Pint X with the larger footpads, folding handle and performance tire adds up to $1,480. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2024 Simply center the tool directly over the weed, press it firmly into the ground using the footpad, and then lean the handle towards the footpad. Christina Shepherd McGuire, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2024 Remove your foot and lean the tool toward the side with the footpad and the weed should pop right out. Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2024 Because of the unexpected lateral velocity, however, engineers believe one of the lander's six footpads either hit a rock or got caught in a crevice, causing the spacecraft to tip over. William Harwood, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2024 Intuitive Machines' Odysseus moon lander, coming down faster than expected and moving slightly to one side at the moment of touchdown Thursday, apparently caught a footpad on the lunar surface and tipped over onto its side, officials said Friday. William Harwood, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2024 The board itself has non-slip footpads and several LED lights for battery status, night-time riding illumination, and just pure fun. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 14 June 2023 Explore detoxification products: There are various detoxification products available in the market, such as detox footpads, that claim to expedite the elimination of delta 8 THC from your body. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

foot + pad highwayman, probably from pad entry 1

Noun (2)

foot + pad entry 3

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1670, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of footpad was in 1670

Dictionary Entries Near footpad

Cite this Entry

“Footpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footpad. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

footpad

noun
foot·​pad
-ˌpad
: a somewhat flat foot on the leg of a spacecraft for distributing weight to decrease sinking into a surface (as on the moon)

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