annotation

noun

an·​no·​ta·​tion ˌa-nə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: a note added by way of comment or explanation

The bibliography was provided with helpful annotations.

2

: the act of annotating something

Examples of annotation in a Sentence

Without the annotations, the diagram would be hard to understand.

the author's annotation of the diagram

Recent Examples on the Web

The hundred-and-ninety-two-page document appeared to be an incomplete draft, and was filled with annotations, in bright-red text, about factual errors and unsourced claims. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026

When a user launches the annotation tool while sharing their screen, the bug allows attackers to remotely execute malicious code and access participants’ devices. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026

At scale, human annotation teams produce varying quality across data sources. — Lucas Zhao, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Pioneer Girl was ultimately published in 2014 with annotations. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 11 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see annotate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for annotation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

annotation

noun

an·​no·​ta·​tion ˌan-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of annotating

2

: a note added as a comment or explanation

Legal Definition

annotation

noun

an·​no·​ta·​tion ˌa-nə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: a note added (as to a statute) by way of comment or explanation often furnishing summaries of relevant court decisions

2

capitalized : an informational and descriptive note or essay (as about a case or legal issue) especially in American Law Reports