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
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
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
Note that the correlation notation 1D_5D refers to the correlation between 1D post-earnings returns and subsequent 5D returns.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Even a basic grounding in musical notation can transform a child’s sense of what can be communicated to another human being, especially—and this is crucial—if notation is treated as a tool of creativity rather than simply an unpleasant test of the ability to play all the right notes or else.
—Matthew Aucoin, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
There’s a growing disconnect between how these cases are decided — by academically analyzing briefs, bar lines, and musical notation — versus how audiences actually experience music.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for notation
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.
Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 28 May 2025
Note that the correlation notation 1D_5D refers to the correlation between 1D post-earnings returns and subsequent 5D returns.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Even a basic grounding in musical notation can transform a child’s sense of what can be communicated to another human being, especially—and this is crucial—if notation is treated as a tool of creativity rather than simply an unpleasant test of the ability to play all the right notes or else.
—Matthew Aucoin, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
There’s a growing disconnect between how these cases are decided — by academically analyzing briefs, bar lines, and musical notation — versus how audiences actually experience music.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for notation
Cite this Entry
“Notation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/notation. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share