noun
- a brief record of something written down to assist the memory or for future reference.
- notes, a record or outline of a speech, statement, testimony, etc., or of one’s impressions of something.
- 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.
- a brief written or printed statement giving particulars or information.
- Library Science. additional information about a work, such as its special series or some other significant identification, included on the library catalog entry.
- a short, informal letter: a thank-you note.
- a formal diplomatic or official communication in writing: a note delivered by the ambassador.
- a paper acknowledging a debt and promising payment; promissory note.
- a certificate, as of a government or a bank, accepted as money.
- eminence, distinction, or reputation: a man of note.
- importance or consequence: few events of particular note.
- notice, observation, or heed: to take note of warning signs; to be worthy of note.
- a characteristic or distinguishing feature: a note of whimsy in the design of the house.
- a mark, quality, or indication of something, especially as a submerged but ubiquitous element: There was just a note of bitterness in his films.
- a characteristic way of speaking or thinking: His critics had begun to change their note.
- a signal, announcement, or intimation: a note of warning in her voice.
- Music.
- a sign or character used to represent a tone, its position and form indicating the pitch and duration of the tone.
- a key, as of a piano.
- a tone sounded on a musical instrument.
- a musical sound or tone.
- a melody, tune, or song.
- a sound of musical quality, as one uttered by a bird: attentive to the thrush’s note.
- any call, cry, or sound of a bird, fowl, etc.
- a new or unexpected element in a situation.
- a mark or sign, as of punctuation, used in writing or printing.
verb (used with object), not·ed, not·ing.
- to write or mark down briefly; make a memorandum of: to note the places of interest.
- to make particular mention of in a writing: She noted their extra efforts in her report.
- to annotate.
- to observe carefully; give attention or heed to: Note the fine brushwork in this painting.
- to take notice of; perceive: We noted his concern at the announcement.
- to set down in or furnish with musical notes.
- to indicate or designate; signify; denote.
Idioms
- compare notes, to exchange views, ideas, or impressions: The returning tourists were sitting on the sun deck comparing notes.
noun
- a brief summary or record in writing, esp a jotting for future reference
- a brief letter, usually of an informal nature
- a formal written communication, esp from one government to another
- a short written statement giving any kind of information
- a critical comment, explanatory statement, or reference in the text of a book, often preceded by a number
- short for banknote
- a characteristic element or atmospherea note of sarcasm
- a distinctive vocal sound, as of a species of bird or animalthe note of the nightingale
- 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
- Also called (esp US and Canadian): tone a musical sound of definite fundamental frequency or pitch
- a key on a piano, organ, etc
- a sound, as from a musical instrument, used as a signal or warningthe note to retreat was sounded
- short for promissory note
- archaic, or poetic a tune or melody
- of note
- distinguished or famousan athlete of note
- worth noticing or paying attention to; importantnothing of note
- strike the right note to behave appropriately
- strike a false note to behave inappropriately
- take note (often foll by of) to observe carefully; pay close attention (to)
verb (tr; may take a clause as object)
- to notice; perceivehe noted that there was a man in the shadows
- to pay close attention to; observethey noted every movement
- to make a written note or memorandum ofshe noted the date in her diary
- to make particular mention of; remark uponI note that you do not wear shoes
- to write down (music, a melody, etc) in notes
- 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 registerSee protest (def. 12)
- a less common word for annotate
n.c.1300, “a song, music, instrumental music; a musical note,” from Latin nota “letter, character, note,” originally “a mark, sign, means of recognition,” which is perhaps related to notus, past participle of noscere (Old Latin *gnoscere) “to know” (see know). Meaning “notice, attention, reputation” is early 14c. Meaning “brief writing” is from 1540s. v.c.1200, “observe, take mental note of, mark carefully,” from Old French noter “indicate, designate; take note of, write down,” from Latin notare “to mark, to note, to make a note,” from nota “mark, sign, note, character, letter” (see note (n.)). Meaning “to set in writing” is from early 14c. Related: Noted; noting. see bread and butter letter (note); compare notes; make a note of; of note; strike the right note; take note; take notes.