footprint

noun

foot·​print ˈfu̇t-ˌprint How to pronounce footprint (audio)
1
: an impression of the foot on a surface
2
a
: the area on a surface covered by something
a tire with a wide footprint
the footprint of a laser beam
b
: range of operation (as of a service)
a global footprint
3
: a marked effect, impression, or impact
left a footprint in the field of research
4
: something that identifies
a genetic footprint

Examples of footprint in a Sentence

The child left her tiny footprints in the snow. He walked into the kitchen with his boots on, making muddy footprints on the floor. The new model has a smaller footprint than the older model.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though fire consumed the fourth century original in 1823, the basilica was immediately — and faithfully — reconstructed on its original footprint beside via Ostiense (a half-hour bus ride south of the center). The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025 That may not eliminate all security concerns given that sending an email creates a digital footprint regardless of the message's content. Chris Megerian, TIME, 1 Mar. 2025 These discoveries, including footprints that stretch back 23,000 years, are providing invaluable insights into the lives of these pioneers, according to Bournemouth University researchers. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Mar. 2025 The footprints, accompanying human track marks, suggest that these travois were pulled by adults, with children following behind or alongside, as per the statement. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for footprint

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of footprint was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Footprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footprint. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

footprint

noun
foot·​print ˈfu̇t-ˌprint How to pronounce footprint (audio)
: a track left by the foot

Medical Definition

footprint

noun
foot·​print ˈfu̇t-ˌprint How to pronounce footprint (audio)
: an impression of the foot on a surface

More from Merriam-Webster on footprint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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