1. the sound made by a foot in walking or running
2. the mark or impression left by a foot; a footprint
3. a course of action or way of life, especially one followed by another person
Usage: often used in the phrase ‘follow in someone’s footsteps’

Examples

• I heard footsteps in the hallway outside my room.
• The detective followed the footsteps in the mud.
• She decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a doctor.
• Heavy footsteps echoed through the empty building.
• The footsteps in the snow led to the cabin.
• He’s following in his father’s footsteps by joining the military.
• We could hear approaching footsteps on the wooden stairs.