noun
footstep
FUUTS-tehp
Footstep (noun) means the sound or mark made by a step while walking. Example: “She heard footsteps approaching in the hallway.”
noun
1
The sound or mark made by a step while walking.
"The footsteps of the students echoed in the empty hall."
"She heard footsteps approaching in the hallway."
2
A path or example set by someone earlier (figurative, usually "follow in someone's footsteps").
"He followed in his father's footsteps and became a doctor."
How to use footstep
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA single step while walking, or figuratively, following the path someone else took before you.
Common pairings
follow in someone's footsteps
hear footsteps
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Word forms
- Plural
- footsteps
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She heard _____ approaching in the hallway.
Etymology
From Old English roots meaning "foot" and "step."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “footstep” mean?
The word “footstep” means the sound or mark made by a step while walking. In plain terms, a single step while walking, or figuratively, following the path someone else took before you.
How do you pronounce “footstep”?
“Footstep” is pronounced FUUTS-tehp (/ˈfʊtstɛp/ in IPA).
How do you use “footstep” in a sentence?
Here is “footstep” used in a sentence: “She heard footsteps approaching in the hallway.”
What part of speech is “footstep”?
“Footstep” is a noun.
Where does the word “footstep” come from?
The word “footstep” comes from Old English. From Old English roots meaning "foot" and "step.".
How many meanings does “footstep” have?
“Footstep” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the sound or mark made by a step while walking.
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