footstep

noun

foot·​step ˈfu̇t-ˌstep How to pronounce footstep (audio)
Synonyms of footstepnext
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 their father's footsteps

Synonyms of footstep

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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
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.
Now his focus is on following in his parents’ footsteps working with the Children’s Institute, an organization that supports children and families. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026 Before his death, Grant was working toward a goal of becoming the second Olympic swimmer from his small town high school following in the footsteps of two-time gold medalist Garrett Weber-Gale. — Susan Young, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in all eight of the Harry Potter films, will reprise the role on Broadway this winter, following in the footsteps of the movies’ Draco Malfoy and current Harry Potter and the Cursed Child star Tom Felton. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 Luiz arrives, with someone following in his footsteps Sporting KC’s biggest transfer investment ever has officially arrived in Kansas City. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for footstep

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of footstep was in the 13th century

Rhymes for footstep

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Browse Nearby Words

footstall
footstep
footstick
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Cite this Entry

“Footstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footstep. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

footstep

noun
foot·​step -ˌstep How to pronounce footstep (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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