# footnote

/ˈfʊtˌnoʊt/ (US) · /fˈʊtnəʊt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/footnote
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a small note at the bottom of a page that gives extra information about something written above it. You usually see a tiny number in the main text that tells you to look down at the note.

For teachers: an ancillary piece of information or citation placed at the base of a page, keyed to a specific part of the text by a superscript number or symbol.

## Examples

- The author explains the term in a footnote.
- If you want to find the original source of that quote, check the footnote at the bottom of page twelve.
- While the main text focuses on the political history of the era, a lengthy footnote provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the working class during that same period.

## Usage notes

- Often used metaphorically to describe a person or event that is considered minor or secondary in history.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.