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.

More idioms and phrases containing footstep

see follow in someone's footsteps .

Example Sentences

Emily followed in her footsteps and had a remarkable career as a surgeon, institutional leader and head of a medical school for women.

From Washington Post

Presumably, she has followed in the footsteps of her godmother, Captain Marvel, and become some sort of do-gooder.

From Time

I guess I had map-making in my blood, though I hadn’t planned to follow in my father’s footsteps.

From Science News

Her career as a doctor may be one of the few things that will make her think twice about a full-time political career in her mother’s footsteps.

From Voice of San Diego

Rogers initially signed with George Washington in 2015, intent on following in his father’s footsteps.

From Washington Post

For three years I had been listening to the voice of Hope, and for three years I had waited for a footstep on my threshold.

From The Daily Beast

You can hear every footstep, which detracts from the experience exponentially.

From The Daily Beast

Soon, however, another footstep became audible on the stairs below, and this time Sarah heard it distinctly.

From Project Gutenberg

She tried to see her way through; she was thinking it out when the sound of a footstep behind caused her to look round.

From Project Gutenberg

One step away he made, then his foot halted, as the whispering sound of a quick footstep came from behind through the bush.

From Project Gutenberg

Away they went, with Gyp at their heels, and every footstep resounded through the old house until they reached the upper floor.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a slow, heavy footstep upon the stairs, and in a moment Seth had hidden the letter.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• footprint