footstep

[foot-step]

noun

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.

footstep

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of footstep¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

see follow in someone's footsteps.

Example Sentences

Two Labour councillors have defected to the Green Party, following in the footsteps of a colleague days earlier.

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And she's watched plenty of astronauts follow in her footsteps.

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Eager for Lombok to follow in Bali's footsteps, Indonesian authorities have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in investment, along with a $250m loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

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Hundreds now follow in his footsteps to the summit of Everest each year, fuelling a multimillion-dollar mountaineering industry.

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This year sees the ceremony move from London to Newcastle, following in the footsteps of the Mobo awards, as part of a new partnership with Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority.

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Related Words

• footprint