notation

noun

no·​ta·​tion nō-ˈtā-shən 

1

: annotation, note

2

a

: the act, process, method, or an instance of representing by a system or set of marks, signs, figures, or characters

b

: a system of characters, symbols, or abbreviated expressions used in an art or science or in mathematics or logic to express technical facts or quantities

notational

nō-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• jotting
• memo
• memorandum
• note

Examples of notation in a Sentence

a mathematical notation for computer programming

he had scribbled his notation so quickly I couldn't read it

Recent Examples on the Web

My biggest challenge in life would be trying to learn a piece of music that might not be available in Braille music notation. —John Johnston, The Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2024

The woman also detailed how Gaetz paid them — with Venmo and PayPal, with notations and dates for each occasion. —Lexie Schapitl, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024

Much of Heaney’s work had relaxed into notations rather than culminations of experience. —Christian Wiman, Harper's Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024

Now nearly a million followers tune in for his notations. March 12, 2024By Tristan Geary David French Israel Is Making the Same Mistake America Made in Iraq The Israel Defense Forces’ military challenge is inseparable from its humanitarian obligations. —Peter Baker Milana Mazaeva Tristan Geary David French, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin notation-, notatio, from notare to note

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing notation

• positional notation
• postfix notation
• reverse Polish notation
• scientific notation

Kids Definition

notation

noun

no·​ta·​tion nō-ˈtā-shən 

1

: note entry 2 sense 3a

make notations on a paper

2

: the act of noting

3

: a system of marks, signs, figures, or characters used to give specified information

musical notation

scientific notation

notational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective