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

McDonald will be following in the footsteps of legendary Broadway actresses like Ethel Merman, Tyne Daly, Angela Lansbury and Patti Lupone who have also played Rose on the stage. —Athena Sobhan, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024

Stephanie Tom, 52 Deputy Treasurer of the California State Treasurer’s Office Background: Tom rebelled at a young age, resisting the call to follow in the footsteps of her political powerhouse parents, Maeley and Ron Tom. —Sabrina Bodon, Sacramento Bee, 30 May 2024

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