1. a board or panel at the foot of a bed
2. a narrow platform for standing on, especially at the back or side of a vehicle
Usage: often historical

Examples

• The antique bed had an ornate wooden footboard.
• She bumped her toe on the footboard while getting out of bed.
• The old train car had a footboard for conductors to stand on.
• He carved his initials into the footboard of his childhood bed.
• The footboard matched the headboard in style and color.
• Passengers once used the footboard to board moving trains.
• The hospital bed’s adjustable footboard could be raised or lowered.