denoting

American  

[dih-noh-ting] / dɪˈnoʊ tɪŋ /

adjective

1. being a name or designation for something; meaning or referring to something.

   Bertrand Russell initially assumed that every denoting phrase—such as "Scott," "the number two," or "the golden mountain"—had to refer to an actually existing entity.

2. being a symbol that represents or stands for something.

   When any design in metal or pottery is registered as copyright, the denoting mark is impressed upon each article as it is made.

3. being an indicator or sign of something; identifying.

   The denoting signs of a company in financial distress usually include salary cuts, layoffs, and the resignation of top executives.

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noun

1. the act or fact of naming, representing, indicating, or referring to something by means of a symbol, word, phrase, label, etc..

   One thing that helps to standardize the spelling of placenames is the denoting of them by government-erected road signs.

Etymology

Origin of denoting

First recorded in 1885–90; denot(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; denot(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

In early scenes, he has a small curved line denoting a chubby chin, which changes over time to straight lines on each cheek, narrowing his face when he is old and infirm.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

The death certificate for Katherine Elizabeth Hartley, which was obtained by TMZ, includes a field denoting how the injury occurred.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

APA funding is awarded based on a grading system, with Grade A denoting the higher-end established athletes and Grade E encompassing up-and-coming prospects.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

As artificial intelligence hyper-flattens mass culture, anything denoting evidence of humanity becomes exceptionally desirable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

I recognised his decisive nose, more remarkable for character than beauty; his full nostrils, denoting, I thought, choler; his grim mouth, chin, and jaw—yes, all three were very grim, and no mistake.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Related Words

• compelling
• important
• momentous
• powerful
• serious
• symbolic