Definition

The sound made by someone walking, or the number of people who enter a place in a certain time.

Example

The footfall of shoppers could be heard throughout the store during the holiday season.

Conversation

Did you hear that strange footfall outside last night?

Yeah, it was kind of eerie, wasn't it?

I wonder what it was — maybe an animal?

Could be! It's always interesting to hear those sounds.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Footfall is formed from "foot" (from Old English "fōt", meaning the lower limb of the body) and "fall" (from Old English "feallan", meaning to drop or descend). The word "footfall" refers to the sound or act of a foot striking the ground, typically when walking or running.

Memory Tip

Think of the sound made when a 'foot' ('fōt') 'falls' ('feallan') to the ground — that's what footfall means.

Visually Confused Words