footfall

[ foot-fawl ]

noun

1. a footstep.
2. the sound of footsteps:

   She heard a footfall on the stairs.

footfall

/ ˈfʊtˌfɔːl /

noun

1. the sound of a footstep

Word History and Origins

Origin of footfall¹

First recorded in 1600–10; foot + fall

Example Sentences

With hybrid work models the new norm, footfall inside these eateries and other retailers isn’t likely to mimic the same patterns as before the pandemic.

From Digiday

Data companies that aggregate, sell, and activate footfall traffic will also struggle, especially if they rely on integrations in third-party apps.

From Digiday

Streets will be safer and more pleasant to walk through, increasing footfall for retail and hospitality sectors.

From Time

A brick-and-mortar store that sees plenty of footfall but fails to make sufficient sales will be considered a failed business model.

From Search Engine Watch

A whirring motor and the noises of constant footfalls is a surefire way to drive the other members of your team crazy as they try to get their own work done.

From Popular-Science

The Power Station studio is hushed; there is a barely audible footfall, then Dylan strikes a single piano key.

From The Daily Beast

With the quick military tread came the frou-frou of silk and the footfall of slippered feet.

From Project Gutenberg

The dull thud of a footfall in the cell above hammers on my head with maddening regularity.

From Project Gutenberg

The regular footfall beats against my brain like hammer strokes.

From Project Gutenberg

The solitary footfall amid the silence reminds me of the timid haste of one crossing a graveyard at night.

From Project Gutenberg

Once a footfall passed the gate, and she shrank back into her corner; but the steps died away and left a profounder quiet.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• stride