Word
foley
Phoneticsfo·ley
/ˈfoʊɫi/
Definitions
01film sound effects
n. the art of creating everyday sound effects for films, like footsteps or the rustle of clothes.
n. the reproduction of everyday sound effects that are added to film, video, and other media in post-production to enhance audio quality.
“The foley in that horror movie made the sound of the footsteps on the stairs very scary.”
“The studio hired a specialist to record the foley, ensuring that the subtle rustle of silk and the clink of silverware sounded authentic on screen.”
Technical
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier, as in 'foley artist' or 'foley stage'.
Teaching tip
Named after Jack Foley, a pioneer in film sound; it is almost always lowercase in modern technical contexts.
Synonyms
02medical tube
n. a flexible tube used in hospitals to drain liquid from a patient's body.
n. a flexible tube that is passed through the urethra and into the bladder to drain urine. Abbreviation for Foley catheter.
“The nurse checked the foley to make sure it was draining properly after the patient's surgery.”
“Post-operative protocols required the medical team to monitor the foley for any signs of infection or blockage during the first twenty-four hours.”
Informal · Technical
Usage
Commonly used as a countable noun in clinical settings.
Teaching tip
In a hospital, staff often drop the word 'catheter' and simply refer to the device as 'a foley'.
Synonyms
Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/foley