footprint
noun
foot·print
ˈfu̇t-ˌprint 
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
… a mini-transmitter … with a modest 5-inch x 5-inch x 3-inch footprint …—
Dennis P. Barker
Dennis P. Barker
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
An Austrian artist canceled plans to sell 300 items of digital art … because of their mind-boggling environmental footprint.—Natasha Frost
see also carbon footprint
Natasha Frost4
: 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
The price tag comes from the California State Auditor’s report that was issued last fall, which found that maintaining similar telework policies could potentially save $225 million annually by reducing the government’s office space footprint.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026
Dark and Moody Gray Make the most of a small footprint with a bold paint choice.
—Lauren Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
This is a place defined by vast open spaces, minimal human footprint, and a profound sense of connection to nature.
—Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
That’s an economic footprint no company has come close to making.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for footprint
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026
Dark and Moody Gray Make the most of a small footprint with a bold paint choice.
—Lauren Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
This is a place defined by vast open spaces, minimal human footprint, and a profound sense of connection to nature.
—Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
That’s an economic footprint no company has come close to making.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for footprint
Cite this Entry
“Footprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footprint. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
footprint
noun
foot·print
ˈfu̇t-ˌprint
: a track left by the foot
Medical Definition
footprint
noun
foot·print
ˈfu̇t-ˌprint
: an impression of the foot on a surface
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