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

Math Expressions let creators place complex mathematical notations directly into layouts. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Her riffs on seemingly objective inscriptions and notations for sound and motion, often paired with handwritten lettering or musical symbols, point back not just to the body of the maker, but to her cultural world. —Mara Mills, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025

One of the interesting things about the history of mathematical notation is its regional variation over the centuries. —Max Springer, Scientific American, 7 Feb. 2025

But our culture doesn’t offer many incentives to stick with notation as a primary means of creative expression. —Matthew Aucoin, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for notation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

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