annotate

American  

[an-uh-teyt] / ˈæn əˌteɪt /

verb (used with object)

annotated, annotating

1. to supply with critical or explanatory notes; comment upon in notes.

   to annotate the works of Shakespeare.

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verb (used without object)

annotated, annotating

1. to make annotations or notes.

annotate British  

/ ˈænəʊˌteɪt, ˈænə- /

verb

1. to supply (a written work, such as an ancient text) with critical or explanatory notes

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Usage

What does annotate mean? To annotate is to add notes or comments to a text or something similar to provide explanation or criticism about a particular part of it. Such notes or comments are called annotations. Annotation can also refer to the act of annotating. Annotations are often added to scholarly articles or to literary works that are being analyzed. But any text can be annotated. For example, a note that you scribble in the margin of your textbook is an annotation, as is an explanatory comment that you add to a list of tasks at work. Something that has had such notes added to it can be described with the adjective annotated, as in This is the annotated edition of the book. Example: I like to annotate the books I’m reading by writing my thoughts in the margins.

Other Word Forms

• annotatable adjective
• annotative adjective
• annotator noun
• annotatory adjective
• overannotate verb
• reannotate verb

Etymology

Origin of annotate

First recorded in 1725–35; from Latin annotātus “marked down,” past participle of annotāre “to mark down,” from an- an- ² + notāre “to mark” ( note )

Explanation

When you annotate, you write critical explanations to add extra insight about something. These explanations can be necessary to understanding writings in which the language might be difficult to make sense of without clarification. The heart of the word annotate is the word note. The Latin annotātus means "noted down," making the word a breeze to remember. A writer will annotate parts that need extra explanation in technical works or classic writings in which the language or concepts might be difficult to grasp. In fact, some works, like James Joyce’s "Ulysses," have entire separate volumes of annotations, and readers must shift back and forth from the novel to the annotations. Now that's a dedicated reader!

Example Sentences

Gilroy recently joined The Envelope via Zoom to annotate the four-minute oration.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2025

She would annotate each image with an arrow, directing my next move, and send it back.

From Slate • Aug. 4, 2025

They must be able — with full certainty — to annotate and explain data they cite and how they reach conclusions.

From Seattle Times • May 20, 2024

Researchers annotate viruses by matching viral sequences in a sample to previously annotated sequences available in public databases of viral genetic sequences.

From Salon • May 17, 2024

“Oh, I can’t wait to analyze and annotate them,” said Millard, rubbing his hands together.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs