footman

noun foot·man \ ˈfu̇t-mən \

Updated on: 19 May 2018

Definition of footman

1 a archaic : a traveler on foot : pedestrian

b : infantryman

2 a : a servant in livery formerly attending a rider or required to run in front of his master's carriage

b : a servant who serves at table, tends the door, and runs errands

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Recent Examples of footman from the Web

This is rumored to be because Elizabeth’s was allegedly misplaced by a footman and went missing at some point during her wedding day — much to the dismay of the official photographer.

— jennifer hassan, Washington Post, "Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and the pressures of royal wedding traditions," 16 May 2018
This is rumored to be because Elizabeth’s was allegedly misplaced by a footman and went missing at some point during her wedding day - much to the dismay of the official photographer.

— jennifer hassan, BostonGlobe.com, "A look at the royal wedding traditions — and pressures — that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry face," 16 May 2018
Bullen said Burrell, who started off his career as the queen’s footman before working for Diana and her sons as the family butler, isn’t surprised by Harry's determination to protect his fiancee from media scrutiny.

— stephanie nolasco, Fox News, "Meghan Markle will struggle with royal life if she doesn't play by monarchy rules, warn palace insiders," 10 May 2018
Instead of run-of-the-mill butlers, there are red-liveried footmen, a detail that could read as tacky if not for the splendid surroundings and royal family legacy.

— amy tara koch, New York Times, "A Road Map to Shopping Like a Royal in London," 9 May 2018
These included a lady-in-waiting, a maid, a footman, a physician, a cook, and a tutor.

— michael joseph gross, Vanities, "“There’s Nothing Wrong with Falling from Grace”: The Global Network of Monarchists Helping Deposed Kings and Queens," 27 Apr. 2018
As walls don’t tend to talk, Mr. Ayckbourn explores these permutations by tracing the adventures of a 17-year-old footman (Antony Eden) through the decades.

— alexis soloski, New York Times, "9 Plays and Musicals to Go to in NYC This Weekend," 26 Apr. 2018
Directly following the formal announcement of the Queen's death, a footman dressed in mourning attire will post a black-edged notice on the gates of Buckingham Palace detailing a 10-day mourning period that will commence.

— alex warner, Marie Claire, "This Is Exactly What Will Happen When Queen Elizabeth II Dies," 11 Apr. 2018
In 2017, Victoria was the subject of Victoria & Abdul, a movie about the Queen's friendship with her royal footman.

— maggie maloney, Town & Country, "The Queen's Wikipedia Page Was Extremely Popular in 2017," 5 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'footman.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of footman

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1b

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FOOTMAN Defined for English Language Learners

footman

noun

Definition of footman for English Language Learners

: a male servant who lets visitors into a house and serves food at the dinner table

FOOTMAN Defined for Kids

footman

noun foot·man \ ˈfu̇t-mən \

Definition of footman for Students

plural footmen \-mən\

: a male servant who performs various duties (as letting visitors in and serving food)

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Spanish Central: Translation of footman Nglish: Translation of footman for Spanish speakers

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