Definition of denotation
1
: an act or process of denoting
2
: meaning
especially
: a direct specific meaning as distinct from an implied or associated idea
comparing a word's denotation with its connotations In fact, the "Parks and Recreation" alum said he didn't know the word's medical denotation. — Nardine Saad
b
: sign, indication
visible denotations of divine wrath … which is why many articles and essays have a "time it takes to read this" denotation alongside the title or author's name.— Chris Campanioni
4
: the totality of things to which a term is applicable especially in logic — compare connotation
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for denotation
The first known use of denotation was circa 1532
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