foot·note
ˈfu̇t-ˌnōt 
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
Examples of footnote in a Sentence
Noun
a movement now regarded as a footnote to history
Recent Examples on the Web
Zachary Utz, STAT, 15 May 2026
In contrast to the Puritans who founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony at approximately the same time, very little is known about Anthony the Turk, who remains barely a footnote, if mentioned at all, in histories of America’s origins.
—Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for footnote
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
That’s not a footnote to the story.
—Zachary Utz, STAT, 15 May 2026
In contrast to the Puritans who founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony at approximately the same time, very little is known about Anthony the Turk, who remains barely a footnote, if mentioned at all, in histories of America’s origins.
—Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
Verb
Investors can scrutinize revenue by segment, depreciation schedules, pension liabilities, and footnotes about operating leases.
—Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for footnote
Cite this Entry
“Footnote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/footnote. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
