footstep

noun

foot·​step ˈfu̇t-ˌstep 

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 his father's footsteps

Synonyms

• footmark
• footprint
• step
• trace
• vestige

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

While Billy Ray has made a name for himself in the music world, some of his children have followed in his footsteps pursuing careers in music and other creative endeavors. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

The major averages spent the day following in the footsteps of Nvidia. —Michele Luhn, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025

The two home brands pointed the finger at several ocean carriers for the offenses, following in the footsteps of businesses like bankrupt Bed Bath & Beyond and Samsung, which lodged their own complaints against multiple carriers. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2025

Charlie Sheen, Emilio Estevez, and Ramon Estevez Sandwiched in between Emilio and Charlie in the Sheen-Estevez family tree is Ramon, another sibling who followed in the footsteps of their Emmy-winning father, Martin Sheen (also born Ramon Estevez), by stepping into the family business of acting. —EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

footstep

noun

foot·​step -ˌstep 

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