denoted; denoting; denotes
1
: to serve as an indication of : betoken
the swollen bellies that denote starvation
2
: to serve as an arbitrary mark for
red flares denoting danger
3
: to make known : announce
his crestfallen look denoted his distress
4
a
: to serve as a linguistic expression of the notion of : mean
in the southern U.S., the word "toboggan" denotes a stocking cap
b
: to stand for : designate
the symbol / denotes "or," "and or," or "per"
An epiphany is, literally, a showing. In Christian terminology it denotes the showing of the infant Jesus to the three Magi.—
David Lodge
David LodgeExamples of denote in a Sentence
The word “derby” can denote a horse race or a kind of hat.
Her death denoted the end of an era.
Recent Examples on the Web
In this psychological thriller, readers are taken on a wild ride that truly denotes that not everything that glitters is gold, and that the wealthy have their fair share of secrets and problems, too.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 14 Aug. 2025
The Cree, located primarily in Canada, know it as the flying up moon, denoting the time of year when young birds are learning to fly, while the Assiniboine people, who are originally from the Northern Great Plains, call it the black cherries moon to mark when cherries are becoming ripe.
—Gina Park, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
Cardi’s appearance comes in the wake of Travis Scott’s numerous cameos at WWE events, denoting an increasing hip-hop presence in the wrestling world.
—Shaheem Reid, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025
In its early days, this piece was made of metal, evolving over the centuries to become a necessary garment that denoted luxury by accentuating the waist.
—Michel Mejía, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2025
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Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 14 Aug. 2025
The Cree, located primarily in Canada, know it as the flying up moon, denoting the time of year when young birds are learning to fly, while the Assiniboine people, who are originally from the Northern Great Plains, call it the black cherries moon to mark when cherries are becoming ripe.
—Gina Park, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
Cardi’s appearance comes in the wake of Travis Scott’s numerous cameos at WWE events, denoting an increasing hip-hop presence in the wrestling world.
—Shaheem Reid, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025
In its early days, this piece was made of metal, evolving over the centuries to become a necessary garment that denoted luxury by accentuating the waist.
—Michel Mejía, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for denote
Cite this Entry
“Denote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denote. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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