# jot

/ˈdʒɑt/ (US) · /dʒˈɒt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jot
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Senses

### 1. write briefly

verb · CEFR B2

to write something quickly or briefly, often as a short note. You use this when you want to remember information for later.

For teachers: to write something briefly or hastily, typically as a quick note. Most commonly used with the particle 'down' ('jot down a number', 'jot down a reminder').

- Jot down the address before you forget it.
- She paused mid-meeting to jot a few ideas in her notebook before the discussion moved on.

### 2. a tiny amount

noun · CEFR C1

a very small amount of something. You use this in expressions like 'not a jot' to say that something does not matter at all.

For teachers: a very small amount; an iota. Used almost exclusively in negative constructions ('not a jot', 'not one jot') to emphasize zero impact or triviality. Originally from the Greek letter iota, the smallest in the Greek alphabet.

- I don't care a jot.
- The negative reviews did not change his opinion one jot, and he remained confident in his original plan.

## Examples

- Jot down the address before you forget it.
- Whenever you have a new idea, jot it down quickly so you don't forget the details later.
- Although she meant to jot only a brief reminder before her trip, she ended up filling several pages of her notebook with thoughts about the journey ahead.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.