footnote

1 of 2

noun

foot·​note ˈfu̇t-ˌnōt How to pronounce footnote (audio)
Synonyms of footnotenext
1
: a note of reference, explanation, or comment usually placed below the text on a printed page
2
a
: one that is a relatively subordinate or minor part (as of an event, work, or field)
a movement now regarded as a footnote to architectural history

footnote

2 of 2

verb

footnoted; footnoting; footnotes

transitive verb

: to furnish with a footnote : annotate

Examples of footnote in a Sentence

Noun a movement now regarded as a footnote to history
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.
Noun
Bedard’s milestone goal was but a footnote on an otherwise dreary night for the Hawks. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026 The Broncos simply didn’t have enough Sunday, and their defensive masterpiece became a historical footnote as a result. Chad Graff, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
The pull toward explanation, footnotes, forcing a journalistic clarity in a literary piece that engages the politics that frame it. Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026 Her screeds are routinely cited in major newspapers and footnoted in lawsuits; her targets range from low-level government employees to the Pope. Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for footnote

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of footnote was in 1711

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Footnote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footnote. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

footnote

noun
foot·​note
-ˌnōt
: a note of reference, explanation, or comment usually placed below the text on a printed page
footnote verb

More from Merriam-Webster on footnote

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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