footstep

From Middle English fotstep, fotstappe, from Old English *fōtstepe, *fōtstæpe (attested only in derivative fōtstappel (“footstep”)), equivalent to foot +‎ step. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Foutstappe (“footstep”), West Frisian fuotstap (“footstep”), Dutch voetstap (“footstep”).

• IPA^(key): /ˈfʊtstɛp/
• Hyphenation: foot‧step

footstep (plural footsteps)

1. The mark or impression left by a foot; a track.

   The child watched as his footsteps in the sand were washed away by the waves.

2. By extension, the indications or waypoints of a course or direction taken.

   To walk the footsteps of greatness requires that you start at the bottom of a long stair.

3. The sound made by walking, running etc.

   The footsteps of the students echoed in the empty hall.

4. A step, as in a stair.

   The garden path had a small footstep down to the main walkway.

5. The distance between one foot and the next when walking; a pace.

   Mere footsteps away from the victim lay the murder weapon.

6. The act of taking a step.

   Take one more footstep towards me, and I'll make you sorry!

7. (obsolete) An inclined plane under a hand printing press.

• (mark left by a foot): footprint, step, track
• (signs of a course taken): point, path, step, trail
• (sound of a footstep): footfall, plod, step, tread
• (step, as in a stair): riser, step
• (distance of one footstep): pace, step, stride
• (act of taking a step): pace, plod, step, stride, tread

• footer

• step foot