footboard

American  

[foot-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈfʊtˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

1. a board or small platform on which to support the foot or feet.

2. an upright piece across the foot of a bedstead.

3. a treadle.

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footboard British  

/ ˈfʊtˌbɔːd /

noun

1. a treadle or foot-operated lever on a machine

2. a vertical board at the foot of a bed

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Etymology

Origin of footboard

An Americanism dating back to 1755–65; foot + board

Example Sentences

In the oil painting, a young woman in a red dress sits on the edge of a motel bed, gripping the footboard tensely.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

Unhappy residents ridicule the fact that the statue’s legs don’t reach the ground, requiring an inelegant footboard to keep his shoes from dangling and earning the likeness a new nickname: “The Short Bard.”

From New York Times • Nov. 16, 2019

One drawing entitled “Little Willie’s Dream After Dinner,” showing Willie cowering in bed, while a gigantic Easter bunny sits on the footboard.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2019

Chest throbbing, he hid behind the footboard and covered his head with his hands.

From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2017

Her feet were bare as she crossed the lawn to set the footboard into place.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng