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

• note
• memo

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

Even this more compact notation no longer fits in the universe. —Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 22 Aug. 2025

On one page there were a few bars of notation—the kernel of all your subsequent insights into music and truth. —Anne Carson, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025

The setup can serve as a MIDI controller for use with digital audio workstations, plugins, transcription/notation software and virtual instruments. —New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2025

According to American Bureau of Shipping, the next milestones for the project team include developing new requirements for high-voltage systems, as well as a new ABS notation. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 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