notation
Americannoun
-
notations
plural
-
a system of graphic symbols for a specialized use, other than ordinary writing.
musical notation.
-
the process or method of noting or setting down by means of a special system of signs or symbols.
-
the act of noting, marking, or setting down in writing.
-
a note, jotting, or record; annotation.
notations in the margin.
noun
-
any series of signs or symbols used to represent quantities or elements in a specialized system, such as music or mathematics
-
the act or process of notating
-
-
the act of noting down
-
a note or record
-
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
renotationnoun
-
subnotationnoun
-
nonnotationaladjective
-
notationaladjective
-
subnotationaladjective
-
unnotationaladjective
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of notation
1560–70; < Latin notātiōn- (stem of notātiō ) a marking, equivalent to notāt ( us ) (past participle of notāre to note ) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
Use the noun notation to describe a written note, like the comments an English teacher makes in the margins of a student's essay. An editor might make notations on an article, and a conductor might add notations — written reminders to herself — to the edges of a musical score. Another kind of notation is a series of symbols that represent words, numbers, or music, for example. Chemical formulas are one type of notation, and musical notes are another. Notation comes from the Latin word notationem, which means "a marking or an explanation," from the root nota, "mark."
Vocabulary lists containing notation
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The ACT Math Test: Number and Quantity
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Music - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
They hit upon the idea of creating a cipher using musical notation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026
Shortly after “In C,” Riley gave up the use of notation, devoting himself to keyboard improvisation and his vocal raga practice.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2025
The waltz has minor errors in rhythm and notation but Mr McClellan said he is sure that Chopin is behind it.
From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2024
Both became industry standards for digital music notation throughout the 2000s, launching regular updates and holding a sort of “duopoly” over the space, as Dorico’s product marketing manager, Daniel Spreadbury, characterized it to me.
From Slate ● Sep. 26, 2024
As a result, the English stuck to Newton’s fluxion notation rather than adopting Leibniz’s superior differential notation—cutting off their noses to spite their faces.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
Based on a 2014 play by David Haig, who co-wrote its screenplay with its director, Anthony Maras, the movie faces an obvious challenge: Watching meteorologists scribble notations on charts isn’t particularly cinematic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026
On 1st March, Dr Pratt noticed a surprising little "e" in notations added to the book.
From Science Daily ● May 15, 2024
Amid all the praise, criticism, helpful notations and humorous color, Slagle’s voice is notably absent.
From Salon ● Dec. 18, 2023
Turns out his caddie had used a level on the practice green and put some notations in the book.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 3, 2023
The notations in Willa’s calendar diary are not straightforward.
From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
