foot·print / ˈfoŏtˌprint/ • n. 1. the impression left by a foot or shoe on the ground or a surface.2. the area covered by something, in particular: ∎  the area in which a broadcast signal from a particular source can be received. ∎  the space taken up on a surface by a piece of computer hardware. ∎  the area beneath an aircraft or a land vehicle that is affected by its noise or weight. ∎  the area of ground taken up by a building.

footprint The area of front panel, desk, or floor space occupied by a device: thus if a CD-ROM drive is described as having a 5¼ floppy footprint it will fit the same shape and size of panel opening as a standard 5¼ floppy-disk drive.