foot line: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized, Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “foot line” mean?
A line at the bottom of a printed page or text, especially one containing a page number or other information.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A line at the bottom of a printed page or text, especially one containing a page number or other information.
1. (Printing/Manuscripts) The line at the bottom of a manuscript page, below which nothing is written. 2. (Poetry/Prosody) The line in which a foot of verse ends.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Both use the term in specialized publishing contexts. The concept itself is standard.
Connotations
Technical/archaic in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage. Found with equal scarcity in specialized texts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “foot line” in a Sentence
The foot line (of the page) contained the date.Place the signature below the foot line.(To) check the foot line for errors.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foot line” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The foot-line margin was too narrow.
American English
- Ensure the foot-line spacing is consistent.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in textual criticism, palaeography, or historical printing studies.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in printing, typography, book design, and manuscript description.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foot line”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foot line”
- Confusing 'foot line' with 'footnote'.
- Using it in non-technical contexts.
- Spelling as 'footline' (usually two words).
- Incorrectly associating it with measurement (e.g., 'a line one foot long').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Conceptually, yes. A 'footer' is the modern, digital equivalent. 'Foot line' is the traditional, print-specific term for the area at the bottom of a page, often containing a page number (folio).
In very specialised prosody, it can refer to the line where a metrical foot ends, but this usage is extremely rare. The primary meaning is always related to the layout of a page.
No. It is a highly technical term. In everyday situations, use 'bottom of the page', 'footer', or 'page number at the bottom'.
In page layout, the opposite is the 'headline' or 'header', which refers to the top line or top margin of the page.
A line at the bottom of a printed page or text, especially one containing a page number or other information.
Foot line is usually specialized, formal, technical in register.
Foot line: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfʊt ˌlaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfʊt ˌlaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with the technical term 'foot line']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person's FOOT at the bottom of their body. The FOOT LINE is the 'bottom line' of the page.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PAGE IS A BODY (headline/header at the top, body text in the middle, foot line at the bottom).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'foot line' most likely to be used professionally?