footstep
- The sound or mark made by a foot as it touches the ground, often used to refer to the sound of someone walking. nounI heard his footsteps echoing in the hallway.The footsteps in the snow indicated someone had recently passed by.
- A step taken by a person in walking, often used metaphorically to refer to following someone's example or path. nounShe followed in her father's footsteps and became a doctor.The company is trying to retrace its founder's footsteps to regain its former success.