note

[ noht ]

noun

1. a brief record of something written down to assist the memory or for future reference.

   Synonyms: minute, memorandum

2. notes, a record or outline of a speech, statement, testimony, etc., or of one's impressions of something.
3. an explanatory or critical comment, or a reference to some authority quoted, appended to a passage in a book or the like:

   a note on the origin of the phrase.

   Synonyms: annotation, commentary

4. a brief written or printed statement giving particulars or information.
5. Library Science. additional information about a work, such as its special series or some other significant identification, included on the library catalog entry.
6. a short, informal letter:

   a thank-you note.

7. a formal diplomatic or official communication in writing:

   a note delivered by the ambassador.

8. a paper acknowledging a debt and promising payment; promissory note.
9. a certificate, as of a government or a bank, accepted as money.

   Synonyms: bill

10. eminence, distinction, or reputation:

    a man of note.

    Synonyms: name, renown, fame, celebrity, repute

11. importance or consequence:

    few events of particular note.

12. notice, observation, or heed:

    to take note of warning signs; to be worthy of note.

13. a characteristic or distinguishing feature:

    a note of whimsy in the design of the house.

14. a mark, quality, or indication of something, especially as a submerged but ubiquitous element:

    There was just a note of bitterness in his films.

15. a characteristic way of speaking or thinking:

    His critics had begun to change their note.

16. a signal, announcement, or intimation:

    a note of warning in her voice.

17. Music.
    1. a sign or character used to represent a tone, its position and form indicating the pitch and duration of the tone.
    2. a key, as of a piano.
18. a tone sounded on a musical instrument.
19. a musical sound or tone.
20. a melody, tune, or song.
21. a sound of musical quality, as one uttered by a bird:

    attentive to the thrush's note.

22. any call, cry, or sound of a bird, fowl, etc.
23. a new or unexpected element in a situation.
24. a mark or sign, as of punctuation, used in writing or printing.

verb (used with object)

, not·ed, not·ing.

1. to write or mark down briefly; make a memorandum of:

   to note the places of interest.

   Synonyms: record, register

2. to make particular mention of in a writing:

   She noted their extra efforts in her report.

3. to annotate.
4. to observe carefully; give attention or heed to:

   Note the fine brushwork in this painting.

5. to take notice of; perceive:

   We noted his concern at the announcement.

   Synonyms: remark, spot, see

6. to set down in or furnish with musical notes.
7. to indicate or designate; signify; denote.

   Synonyms: mention

note

/ nəʊt /

noun

1. a brief summary or record in writing, esp a jotting for future reference
2. a brief letter, usually of an informal nature
3. a formal written communication, esp from one government to another
4. a short written statement giving any kind of information
5. a critical comment, explanatory statement, or reference in the text of a book, often preceded by a number
6. short for banknote
7. a characteristic element or atmosphere

   a note of sarcasm

8. a distinctive vocal sound, as of a species of bird or animal

   the note of the nightingale

9. any of a series of graphic signs representing a musical sound whose pitch is indicated by position on the stave and whose duration is indicated by the sign's shape
10. Also called (esp US and Canadian)tone a musical sound of definite fundamental frequency or pitch
11. a key on a piano, organ, etc
12. a sound, as from a musical instrument, used as a signal or warning

    the note to retreat was sounded

13. short for promissory note
14. archaic.
    a tune or melody
15. of note
    1. distinguished or famous

       an athlete of note

    2. worth noticing or paying attention to; important

       nothing of note

16. strike the right note
    to behave appropriately
17. strike a false note
    to behave inappropriately
18. take note
    often foll by of to observe carefully; pay close attention (to)

verb

1. to notice; perceive

   he noted that there was a man in the shadows

2. to pay close attention to; observe

   they noted every movement

3. to make a written note or memorandum of

   she noted the date in her diary

4. to make particular mention of; remark upon

   I note that you do not wear shoes

5. to write down (music, a melody, etc) in notes
6. to take (an unpaid or dishonoured bill of exchange) to a notary public to re-present the bill and if it is still unaccepted or unpaid to note the circumstances in a register See protest
7. a less common word for annotate

Derived Forms

• ˈnoteless, adjective

Other Words From

• noter noun
• pre·note noun verb (used with object) prenoted prenoting
• subnote noun
• under·note noun
• un·noting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of note¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; (for the noun) Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin nota “sign for musical tone,” in Latin: “mark, sign, lettering”; verb derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of note¹

C13: via Old French from Latin nota sign, indication

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. compare notes, to exchange views, ideas, or impressions:

   The returning tourists were sitting on the sun deck comparing notes.

More idioms and phrases containing note

see bread and butter letter (note) ; compare notes ; make a note of ; of note ; strike the right note ; take note ; take notes .

Synonym Study

See remark.

Example Sentences

Already, several companies, such as Stanley Black & Decker and AutoZone, noted on earnings calls they would raise prices if faced with tariffs.

From Salon

One viewer noted the many gunfight scenes involving Alec Baldwin could be distracting.

From BBC

Conservative former cabinet minister Sir Gavin Williamson noted that, in its manifesto, Labour had pledged to end the use of hotels.

From BBC

The researchers note that this greater understanding of the connection between diabetes onset, obesity, and dementia may help inform targeted interventions to prevent dementia.

From Science Daily

The preparations, as Zeldovich notes, often contain remains of vanquished bacteria that, when injected, inflame the immune system and put the patient at risk.

From Salon

Related Words

• indicate
• mention
• notice
• remark
• see
• view
• write