A footrest is a small, low platform or stool designed to support your feet while you're sitting. When you sit in a chair with your feet dangling or straining to reach the floor, a footrest lets you rest them comfortably at a natural height.

You might see footrests in offices, where people place them under their desks to reduce leg strain during long hours of work. Airplanes often have small footrests that fold down from the seat in front of you. Some living room chairs come with built-in footrests, called ottomans, that you can prop your feet on while reading or watching television.

The word can also describe any object used for this purpose, even if it wasn't originally designed as one. A stack of books or a sturdy box might serve as an improvised footrest. The key is that it elevates and supports your feet, making sitting more comfortable for extended periods.