footstep

American  

[foot-step] / ˈfʊtˌstɛp /

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.

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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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Etymology

Origin of footstep

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

Example Sentences

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

The thick deep pile carpet that has been laid on these ancient stones has seen to that - it muffles every footstep.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2022

The walls heave with weird, “Repulsion”-like plaster bulges; the pipes clang; the upstairs neighbor — is there an upstairs neighbor? — treads so heavily that the light fixture sways with every footstep.

From Washington Post • Nov. 22, 2021

Each footstep on the spongy ground seems to release fumes of decay into already fetid air.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2021

I walk toward him as if approaching a wild animal, each footstep careful on the cement floor.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• footprint