endnote

American  

[end-noht] / ˈɛndˌnoʊt /

noun

1. a note, as of explanation, emendation, or the like, added at the end of an article, chapter, etc.

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Usage

What’s the difference between an endnote and a footnote? An endnote is a note at the end of a text (such as an article, a chapter, or an entire book). A footnote is a note at the bottom (the “foot”) of a page.The difference between endnotes and footnotes is their location, not their function. Both consist of information added to a text in another spot, such as an explanation or a citation of a source. They are both usually indicated with some kind of mark, often an asterisk* or a number¹. The same mark appears in another part of the text along with the corresponding note, either at the end of the text (making it an endnote) or at the bottom of the page (making it a footnote).Of course, if an article is only a single page, the note at the end could be called a footnote or an endnote.Here’s an example of endnote and footnote used correctly in the same sentence.Example: I use footnotes for tangential information so that readers can access it without turning the page, but I use endnotes for citations so they don’t clutter up the page.Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between endnote and footnote.

Etymology

Origin of endnote

end ¹ + note

Compare meaning

How does endnote compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• footnote vs. endnote

Example Sentences

“The author likes the observation by Sheila Heti,” an endnote reveals: “ ‘The self’s report on itself is surely a great fiction.’

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

It’s a depressing endnote that suggests the perils of notoriety — good rogues are gone all too soon, while others manage to evade justice indefinitely.

From Washington Post • Jul. 8, 2022

The poor reputation the princes are saddled with today - where it does not stem solely from colonial stereotypes - comes from this endnote to their story.

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2021

It helps to turn to her explanatory endnote, which really ought to preface the novel.

From Seattle Times • May 7, 2021

For examples from the translation, accompanied by the original Latin, see endnote 98.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton