notation

noun

no·​ta·​tion nō-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce notation (audio)
1
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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Legend has it that the name Mad River came from a notation Josiah Gregg made on a map in the late 1840s. Eureka Times-Standard, Mercury News, 13 June 2025 But, in truth, the system Argentina played often defied the usual notation. Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 The stretcher bar depth in Baer’s notations is clearly tied to the size of the painting’s frontal plane. Sarah K. Rich, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025 This includes tattoos that denote loyalty to the gang (four points); insignia, logos, notations, drawings, or dress that show allegiance to it (another four); and social-media posts that include its symbols (two more). Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for notation

Word History

Etymology

Latin notation-, notatio, from notare to note

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of notation was in 1584

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Notation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/notation. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

notation

noun
no·​ta·​tion nō-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce notation (audio)
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 How to pronounce notation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on notation

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