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
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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 6 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
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