footlight

noun

1

: a light that casts its illumination upward from foot level

especially : one of a row of lights set across the front of a stage floor

—usually used in plural

2

footlights plural : the stage as a profession

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!