footstep

American  

[foot-step] / ˈfʊtˌstɛp /

noun

• footsteps
  plural

1. the setting down of a foot, or the sound so produced; footfall; tread.

2. the distance covered by a step in walking; pace.

3. a footprint.

4. a step by which to ascend or descend.

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idioms

1. follow in someone's footsteps, to succeed or imitate another person.

footstep British  

/ ˈfʊtˌstɛp /

noun

1. the action of taking a step in walking

2. the sound made by stepping or walking

3. the distance covered with a step; pace

4. a footmark

5. a single stair; step

6. to continue the tradition or example of another

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footstep More Idioms  

1. see follow in someone's footsteps.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• footsteps
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of footstep

First recorded in 1175–1225, footstep is from Middle English foote steppe. See foot, step

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

footstep footsteps

The duo went 1-2 in the 200, with Coleman beating his older teammate for the first time, edging him by a footstep, 21.01 to 21.27.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 7, 2023

Each footstep was recorded in a track of mud, to be analyzed.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 1, 2021

“I don’t see myself doing nothing else. I’m almost there. Being a cadet gave me a footstep in the door.”

From Washington Post ● Nov. 18, 2021

Aching joints are a given, blisters common and twisted ankles never more than a stray footstep in the woods away.

From BBC ● Apr. 21, 2021

There’s a footstep, a pause, then a crackling like the kind of static on the radio that my brother says comes from outer space, then another pulse, a gasp of air sucked in.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Firms as a result are following in the footsteps of private equity and venture capital in turning to another, comparatively thrifty strategy to turn the heads of clients and talent: brand differentiation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

Her early work included defending anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, and on Friday she became the country's fifth Peace Prize winner - following in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

Asco was a fecund ecosystem, as is the close-knit community of contemporary artists following in its footsteps.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026

David said he was "proud" that his son had followed in his footsteps.

From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026

I did not know, as I listened to Father’s footsteps winding back down the stairs, that he had given me more than the key to this hard moment.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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Related Words

• footprint

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