notation
Americannoun
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a system of graphic symbols for a specialized use, other than ordinary writing.
musical notation.
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the process or method of noting or setting down by means of a special system of signs or symbols.
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the act of noting, marking, or setting down in writing.
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a note, jotting, or record; annotation.
notations in the margin.
noun
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any series of signs or symbols used to represent quantities or elements in a specialized system, such as music or mathematics
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the act or process of notating
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the act of noting down
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a note or record
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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
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The ACT Math Test: Number and Quantity
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Music - Introductory
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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.
Western notation can’t always capture African musical innovations.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
Villanueva refiled the case, alleging that he’d suffered emotional distress and that the “do not rehire” notation made it difficult for him to find a job.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 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
“Dorico’s not totally perfect if you have super weird stuff like harp notation or complicated percussion staves. You might have to hand-tweak those after they’re in the new system,” said Pogue.
From Slate • Sep. 26, 2024
This notation can be confusing, though, and in some music the pickups and repeats are written in a way that avoids these broken-up measures.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
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.
