footstep \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun Etymology: Middle English fotstep, footstep, from fot, foot + step 1. a.: stepping, footfall, tread b.: distance covered by a step : pace 2. a.: the mark of the foot : track b.: trace, token < the footsteps of divine wisdom > 3.: a step on which to ascend or descend < footstep of a carriage > 4.orfootstep bearing: step bearing