verb
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to inform; tell
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to draw attention to; make known; announce
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of notify
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English notifien, from Middle French notifier, from Latin nōtificāre, from (g)nōt(us), past participle of (g)nōscere “to come to know” ( see also know 1) + -ificāre -ify
Explanation
To notify is to officially give someone a piece of information. If your poem wins the local poetry competition, the judges will notify you that you're the winner. When you notify someone about something, it can be good or bad news. New parents notify friends and family about their baby's birth. When a library's money problems force it to close on Sundays, it might notify its patrons with an email or a letter. Notify comes from the Latin notificare, "to make known," which stems from notus, "known," and facere, "make or do."
Vocabulary lists containing notify
Selection Vocabulary 2, Unit 5
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Louisiana’s Way Home
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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.
Your county elections official will notify you by mail, phone or email, according to the secretary of state.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
The FBI began an initiative called Operation Level Up in January 2024 to identify and notify victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
The onus is on creators to provide the disclosure, but campaigns are required to notify influencers they hire of the requirement.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
Local law requires mayors who want to resign to notify the assembly chair of their intention.
From BBC • May 9, 2026
I shall show Dr Meredith up and notify you if he has anything noteworthy to say.'
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
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.
