footsteps

foot-steps · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The sounds made by someone walking.

  2. 2.

    The acts or manner of walking.

  3. 3.

    (Figurative) The course or path taken by a predecessor.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    follow in someone's footsteps — pursue the same career or path as someone admired
  • •
    dogged footsteps — persistent following
  • •
    retrace one's footsteps — go back the way one came

Related words

See also: footprints, footstep, walking
Synonyms: steps, strides, treads

Etymology

Compound of foot + step, with the plural suffix -s. The word has been used since Middle English.