annotate

American  

[an-uh-teyt] / ˈæn əˌteɪt /

verb (used with object)

annotated, annotating

1. to supply with critical or explanatory notes; comment upon in notes.

   to annotate the works of Shakespeare.

---

verb (used without object)

annotated, annotating

1. to make annotations or notes.

annotate British  

/ ˈænəʊˌteɪt, ˈænə- /

verb

1. to supply (a written work, such as an ancient text) with critical or explanatory notes

---

Usage

What does annotate mean? To annotate is to add notes or comments to a text or something similar to provide explanation or criticism about a particular part of it.Such notes or comments are called annotations. Annotation can also refer to the act of annotating.Annotations are often added to scholarly articles or to literary works that are being analyzed. But any text can be annotated. For example, a note that you scribble in the margin of your textbook is an annotation, as is an explanatory comment that you add to a list of tasks at work.Something that has had such notes added to it can be described with the adjective annotated, as in This is the annotated edition of the book. Example: I like to annotate the books I’m reading by writing my thoughts in the margins.

Other Word Forms

• annotatable adjective
• annotative adjective
• annotator noun
• annotatory adjective
• overannotate verb
• reannotate verb

Etymology

Origin of annotate

First recorded in 1725–35; from Latin annotātus “marked down,” past participle of annotāre “to mark down,” from an- an- ² + notāre “to mark” ( note )

Example Sentences

NA: Annie first asked if she could annotate what I had written.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

She would annotate each image with an arrow, directing my next move, and send it back.

From Slate • Aug. 4, 2025

They must be able — with full certainty — to annotate and explain data they cite and how they reach conclusions.

From Seattle Times • May 20, 2024

Researchers annotate viruses by matching viral sequences in a sample to previously annotated sequences available in public databases of viral genetic sequences.

From Salon • May 17, 2024

He settled in with my dad to annotate maps with new information: construction sites, the burnt-out school...

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline