footfall

noun

foot·​fall ˈfu̇t-ˌfȯl How to pronounce footfall (audio)
: the sound of a footstep

Examples of footfall in a Sentence

She heard footfalls echoing in the hall.
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.
Thunderous applause may greet one documentary premiering at the Venice Film Festival, fitting for a story of athletes who shake the earth with every footfall. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 The company’s most recent figures show footfall across its portfolio reached 320 million in 2025, an 18% increase on the year before. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 With a city-center, ground-floor location, the concept benefits from higher footfall than most brands could achieve individually. — Catherine Erdly, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Wazne, one of Berri Brothers’ owners, said using low prices to keep a constant flow of cost-conscious customers helps his business by inflating footfall to the stands’ convenience stores. — Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for footfall

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of footfall was circa 1616

Rhymes for footfall

See All Rhymes for footfall

Browse Nearby Words

-footer
footfall
foot fault
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Footfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footfall. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

footfall

noun
foot·​fall ˈfu̇t-ˌfȯl How to pronounce footfall (audio)
: the sound of a footstep
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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