note

verb

\ ˈnōt

noted; noting

Definition of note

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : to notice or observe with care … instructors had noted that he did not perform well under pressure.— Stephan Wilkinson

b : to record or preserve in writing The detective noted the details of the witness's account of the robbery.

2a : to make special mention of or remark on The commendation notes the bravery of the fire fighter.

b : indicate, show Records fail to note what became of him.

note

noun

Definition of note (Entry 2 of 2)

1a(1) obsolete : melody, song

(2) : tone sense 2a

(3) : call, sound especially : the musical call of a bird

b : a written symbol used to indicate duration and pitch of a tone by its shape and position on the staff

2a : a characteristic feature (as of odor or flavor)

b : something (such as an emotion or disposition) like a note in tone or resonance a note of sadness end on a high note

3a(1) : memorandum

(2) : a condensed or informal record

b(1) : a brief comment or explanation

(2) : a printed comment or reference set apart from the text

c(1) : a written promise to pay a debt

(2) : a piece of paper money

(3) : a government or corporate bond usually with a maturity of between two and ten years

d(1) : a short informal letter

(2) : a formal diplomatic communication

e : a scholarly or technical essay shorter than an article and restricted in scope

f : a sheet of notepaper

4a : distinction, reputation a figure of international note

b : observation, notice took full note of the proceedings

c : knowledge, information

Other Words from note Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about note

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Choose the Right Synonym for note

Noun

sign, mark, token, note, symptom mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible. sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason. encouraging signs for the economy mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance. a mark of a good upbringing token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible. this gift is a token of our esteem note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic. a note of irony in her writing symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition. rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay

Examples of note in a Sentence

Verb

You may have noted my late arrival. The thing to note here is that people are suffering. It's interesting to note how quickly things have changed. Their objections were duly noted. As one official noted, the situation has begun to get out of control. As noted above most people survive the disease. “They've asked us to leave,” he noted with amusement.

Noun

She wrote a note to remind herself about the appointment. I left you a note on the kitchen table. making notes in the margins of a book She jotted down a few notes during the interview. After class, I usually study my notes and read the next chapter. I can't come to class today. Would you mind taking notes for me? His secretary took notes during our meeting. Please include a brief note about where the picture was taken. He writes in the program notes that the play was inspired by his own childhood. One final note: tickets will be available at the door the night of the concert.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

According to Metra Rail, the important thing to note here is that the tracks themselves aren’t actually burning. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "It's So Cold in Chicago That the Rail Company Is Lighting Its Tracks on Fire," 30 Jan. 2019 This is just an idealized example; the thing to note about it is that the rate of change for the incumbent industry can start quite slowly before accelerating quickly. — David Roberts, Vox, "The case for “conditional optimism” on climate change," 29 Jan. 2019 On Monday, the agency noted that 2.2 million passengers were screened the day before, with an average wait time of 30 minutes. — Sam Blum, Popular Mechanics, "TSA Workers Are Calling Out Sick as the Government Shutdown Rages On," 7 Jan. 2019 Jaana Remes, an economist at McKinsey Global Institute, noted that after the Great Recession, stagnant pay reduced the incentive for employers to invest in labor-saving technology. — Christopher Rugaber, The Seattle Times, "U.S. retailers hope higher pay will buy more efficient workers," 1 Jan. 2019 One thing to note: Sachs did say that the wool insoles got a little hot in the Orlando humidity, so these may be more suited for colder months to keep your feet cozy. — Lindsey Murray, Good Housekeeping, "Allbirds Sneakers Are the Perfect Last-Minute Christmas Gift for Your Mom," 18 Dec. 2018 Many on Reddit begged the same question, while also noting that Heidi has a lovely singing voice (which, agreed!). — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Watch 'America's Got Talent' Judge Heidi Klum Fall in This Resurfaced "Santa Baby" Clip," 19 Dec. 2018 The lifespan of the new Jump bike is three to five years, though Foley notes that not all of the subsystems are engineered to last that long — at least not yet. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, "Uber’s new Jump e-bikes are easier to charge and harder to vandalize," 18 Dec. 2018 As Campbell notes, there have been some programs capable of mastering heads-up, no-limit Texas Hold 'Em, when only two players are left in a tournament. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Move over AlphaGo: AlphaZero taught itself to play three different games," 6 Dec. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In a court filing on Tuesday, Kenney’s attorney Dru Nielsen asked a judge to require that prosecutors preserve all notes, photographs and other material produced by investigators on the case. — Kathleen Foody, The Seattle Times, "Idaho woman charged in connection to missing Colorado mom," 5 Feb. 2019 At the spring show, a touching note placed on each guest’s seat paid tribute to her memory. — Katharine K. Zarrella, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kate Spade's New Creative Director Opens Up About Honoring the Late Designer's Legacy," 30 Jan. 2019 As The Washington Post notes, Hoffman — an early PayPal executive and co-founder of LinkedIn — has emerged as a big donor to new initiatives and groups with a mission of electing Democrats. — Chris Welch, The Verge, "LinkedIn co-founder says he unknowingly backed disinformation effort in Alabama Senate race," 26 Dec. 2018 Someone had left a note: Your beds are in the library. — Ellen Freeman, Curbed, "I lived in a Tokyo coworking space," 28 Sep. 2018 Photo: Lake District Pound The teams behind each currency say the notes are designed with security in mind. — Avantika Chilkoti, WSJ, "Your Bowie Is No Good Here, But He’ll Pay for a Zumba Class in Brixton," 18 Jan. 2019 However, if there's no buyer, that label will liquidate, too, the newspaper notes. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "Gymboree Is Reportedly Closing—Here's What to Get Before It's Gone for Good," 15 Jan. 2019 If that's the case, Drew will just have to take notes on where the Gaines' shop for Crew's adorable baby clothes. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "Drew Scott Reveals He And Linda Phan Will Have Kids Soon, Asks Joanna Gaines For Hand Me Downs," 15 Jan. 2019 Everyone has their usual perfume routine, but def avoid the common mistake of rubbing your wrists together after a spritz .Doing this forces the top notes to disappear faster than intended, so your fragrance won't last as long. 44. — Seventeen.com Editors, Seventeen, "50 Life-Changing Prom Beauty Tips You Haven't Heard Before," 19 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'note.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for note

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French noter, from Latin notare to mark, note, from nota

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin nota mark, character, written note

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Dictionary Entries near note

Statistics for note

Last Updated

11 Feb 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for note

The first known use of note was in the 13th century

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More Definitions for note

note

noun

Financial Definition of note

What It Is

In the finance world, a note is debt.

How It Works

Notes are typically medium-term debt, but not always. For example, Treasury notes (T-notes) are intermediate-term bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury. They mature in two, three, five or 10 years.

You might hear people use the phrase "carry the note," which means to take on debt from another issuer. For example, let's say you plan to purchase a business for $2 million. You have only $200,000 in cash for the seller and want to pay the seller over time for the rest. Essentially, you're borrowing $1.8 million from the seller, and the seller is "carrying a note" until you pay back that $1.8 million.

Why It Matters

There are many kinds of notes: municipal notes, Treasury notes, bank notes, promissory notes, etc. Like all debt, the terms vary, including the interest rates, face values, maturities and other provisions.

Source: Investing Answers

tax anticipation note

noun

Financial Definition of tax anticipation note

What It Is

A tax anticipation note (TAN) is a short-term note that a state or local government issues and expects to repay with imminent tax receipts.

How It Works

Town XYZ wants to purchase a new building to replace the old City Hall. The building costs $10 million. Town XYZ expects to pay $5 million cash for the building but needs to raise another $5 million. It expects to receive at least that much next April after the annual income tax filing deadline has passed, but the real estate deal is scheduled to close six months before that date, in October.

Because of the timing, Town XYZ issues $5 million of tax anticipation notes that mature in May. (Note that tax anticipation notes are typically issued at a discount, meaning that the investors will pay, say, 95% of the face value of each bond; the actual discount depends on the market and the issuer’s creditworthiness.) The notes pay buyers 5% interest per year. Remember, however, that the notes will be outstanding for less than one year.

Town XYZ is then able to purchase the building for $10 million in October. When April arrives, Town XYZ has its income tax receipts and uses a portion of them to repay the TANs (which generally get first dibs on tax receipts). TAN maturities are usually not longer than one calendar year.

Why It Matters

Tax anticipation notes provide state and local governments with a way to stabilize cash inflows and outflows during the year. In turn, this allows governments to proceed with capital projects immediately rather than waiting to have the actual cash in hand.

Tax anticipation notes are a type of municipal bonds -- investors are generally able to obtain interest tax-free.

Source: Investing Answers

note

verb

English Language Learners Definition of note

(Entry 1 of 2)

formal

: to notice or pay attention to (something)

: to say or write (something)

note

noun

English Language Learners Definition of note (Entry 2 of 2)

: a short piece of writing that is used to help someone remember something

: an informal written record of things that are said and done

: a short piece of writing that gives you information : a brief comment or explanation

See the full definition for note in the English Language Learners Dictionary

note

verb

\ ˈnōt

noted; noting

Kids Definition of note

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to notice or observe with care Note the differences between the two paintings.

2 : to record in writing Let me note down your address.

3 : to make special mention of His speech noted everyone's achievements.

note

noun

Kids Definition of note (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a musical sound : tone

2 : a symbol in music that by its shape and position on the staff shows the pitch of a tone and the length of time it is to be held

3 : the musical call or song of a bird

4 : a quality that shows a feeling There's a note of sadness in your voice.

5 : something written down often to aid the memory I'll make a note of the appointment.

6 : a printed comment in a book that helps explain part of the text

7 : distinction sense 3 artists of note

8 : a short written message or letter a thank-you note

9 : careful notice Please take note of the time.

10 : frame of mind : mood She began the day on a happy note.

11 : a piano key

12 : a written promise to pay a debt

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note

noun

Legal Definition of note

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a written promise to pay a debt specifically : promissory note in this entry

— bank note

: a promissory note issued by a bank payable to bearer on demand but without interest and circulating as money

— cognovit note \ käg-ˈnō-vit-, kōg- \

: a note in which the maker acknowledges the debt and authorizes the entry of judgment against him or her without notice or a hearing : a note containing a confession of judgment

— collateral note

: a note secured especially by a collateral mortgage and pledged to secure an obligation of which a hand note usually serves as evidence

— demand note

: a note payable on demand — compare time note in this entry

— floating rate note

: a negotiable note that yields an indexed and periodically adjusted variable rate of interest

— called also floater

— hand note

: a note for an obligation secured by a collateral note

— non-recourse note

: a note whose satisfaction upon default may be obtained only out of the collateral securing it

— promissory note

: a note containing an unconditional promise to pay on demand or at a fixed or determined future time a particular sum of money to or to the order of a specified person or to the bearer

— recourse note

: a note whose satisfaction upon default may be obtained from the debtor's assets other than and in addition to the collateral securing it

— renewal note

: a note that continues an obligation due under a previous note

— tax anticipation note

: a note issued by a state or municipality on pending tax revenue to fund immediate governmental expenditures

— time note

: a note payable at a specified time in the future — compare demand note in this entry

— Treasury note

: a negotiable note issued by the U.S. government with a maturity date of one to ten years from the date of issue

— called also T-note

— compare Treasury bill at bill sense 7, Treasury bond at bond sense 2