footer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, but technical in computing/design contexts.
Quick answer
What does “footer” mean?
The bottom section of a document or webpage, typically containing consistent information like page numbers, copyright details, or author names.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The bottom section of a document or webpage, typically containing consistent information like page numbers, copyright details, or author names.
A line or block of text that appears at the bottom of each page; (soccer) a player who kicks the ball; (printing/construction) a measurement of length; (slang) a dismissal from a job or position (UK).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'to get the footer' is informal slang for being dismissed from a job. This sense is not common in US English. Both varieties share the primary computing/document sense.
Connotations
In computing/design contexts, neutral and functional. The UK slang sense is informal and mildly humorous.
Frequency
The document/computing sense is dominant in both regions. The UK slang sense is low-frequency and dated.
Grammar
How to Use “footer” in a Sentence
The [document] has a [detailed] footer.Add/Include [X] in the footer.The footer contains [information].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “footer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare, sports) He managed to footer the ball into the net.
- (UK, Scotland/North, informal) Stop footering about with that and get to work!
American English
- (Rare, sports) The striker footered the ball wide of the goal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports and proposals: 'Ensure the company logo is in the footer of every page.'
Academic
Used for page numbers, author name, and paper title in theses and articles.
Everyday
Common when discussing document formatting or website navigation: 'The contact details are in the footer.'
Technical
A specific element in HTML (<footer>), web design, and word processing software.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “footer”
- Confusing 'footer' with 'header'.
- Using 'footer' to mean 'footnote' (which is a specific reference at the bottom of a single page).
- Misspelling as 'foter'.
- Using the UK slang sense in formal/international contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'footer' is a repeating section at the bottom of every page (like a page number). A 'footnote' is a specific note or reference that appears at the bottom of a single page, usually marked with a superscript number.
It is a standard, neutral term in computing and document design. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when referring to that page section. The UK slang sense ('get the footer') is informal.
Yes, but it's very rare. It can mean 'to kick' in a soccer context (archaic), or in Scottish/Northern UK English, 'to fidget or mess about inefficiently' (e.g., 'footer with something'). The noun sense is far more common.
The pronunciation is very similar (/ˈfʊtə/). The main difference is the potential slang meaning in UK English ('to be fired'), which is not used in American English. The core meaning is identical.
The bottom section of a document or webpage, typically containing consistent information like page numbers, copyright details, or author names.
Footer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfʊtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfʊtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get the footer (UK, slang): to be dismissed from employment.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FOOTer as the FOOT (bottom) of the page, just like a header is the HEAD (top).
Conceptual Metaphor
A DOCUMENT IS A BODY (header/head, body, footer/foot).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'footer' LEAST likely to be used?