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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

footnote

FUUT-noht

Footnote (noun) means a short note at the bottom of a page giving extra comment, reference, or citation. Example: “The claim was backed up by a footnote citing the original study.”

noun
1
A short note at the bottom of a page giving extra comment, reference, or citation.
"The claim was backed up by a footnote citing the original study."
2
A minor event, overshadowed by something bigger it relates to (figurative).
"The scandal became just a footnote in the company's long history."
verb
1
To add explanatory notes to a text.
"The editor footnoted every unfamiliar term in the manuscript."

How to Use Footnote

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small note at the bottom of a page, or figuratively, a minor detail in a bigger story.

Common pairings
footnote to history add a footnote

Word Forms

footnoted past tense, footnotes plural, footnotes singular

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Test yourself on “footnote” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The claim was backed up by a _____ citing the original study.

Etymology

From foot + note, describing a note placed at the "foot," or bottom, of the page.

footer annotate

Related Words

Rhymes for footnote

See all rhymes for footnote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “footnote” mean?

The word “footnote” means a short note at the bottom of a page giving extra comment, reference, or citation. In plain terms, a small note at the bottom of a page, or figuratively, a minor detail in a bigger story.

How do you pronounce “footnote”?

“Footnote” is pronounced FUUT-noht (/ˈfʊtˌnoʊt/ in IPA).

How do you use “footnote” in a sentence?

Here is “footnote” used in a sentence: “The claim was backed up by a footnote citing the original study.”

What part of speech is “footnote”?

Depending on how it is used, “footnote” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “footnote” a common word?

“Footnote” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “footnote” have?

“Footnote” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short note at the bottom of a page giving extra comment, reference, or citation.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial