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

By analyzing digital footprints, including social media presence and other online behaviors, companies can authenticate users invisibly, minimizing disruptions in their experience. —Tamas Kadar, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

Originally a home for music videos and reruns of popular Black sitcoms, BET developed a footprint in news, stand-up comedy, talk shows, reality and original series programming, with projects from Tyler Perry, Lee Daniels and Kevin Hart. —Derek Lawrence, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025

Although prevalent in denim, indigo has a footprint that extends to art and craft, as well as spirituality and science. —Carved In Blue, Sourcing Journal, 26 Feb. 2025

Like many other large brick-and-mortar retailers with a sizable retail footprint, Joann has long struggled to compete with online competitors. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 25 Feb. 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