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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- footnotes
- Third person singular
- footnotes
- Past tense
- footnoted
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.
Synonyms
View more →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.
