footlight

American  

[foot-lahyt] / ˈfʊtˌlaɪt /

noun

1. Theater. Usually footlights. the lights at the front of a stage that are nearly on a level with the feet of the performers.

2. the footlights, the stage; acting profession.

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Etymology

Origin of footlight

First recorded in 1830–40; foot + light ¹

Example Sentences

Once, he slipped onstage, and his foot went through a footlight bulb.

From Washington Post • Aug. 20, 2017

Charlie Calvert’s inviting set is like a miniature old theater, illuminated with footlight accents by Nancy Schertler, and Helen Q. Huang’s attractive costumes are clownish yet elegant.

From Washington Post • Mar. 6, 2017

Suddenly lights flashed on in the glass-paneled ceiling, with theatre footlight effect.

From Time Magazine Archive

But her husband, neither statesman nor footlight celebrity remained one of those Englishmen with 10,000 acres and nothing particular to do.

From Time Magazine Archive

His cap looked like a solitary green footlight.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole