# notation

/noʊˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /nəʊtˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/notation
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a system of symbols

noun · CEFR B2

a set of symbols or signs used to represent things like numbers, musical notes, or chemical elements.

For teachers: a system of characters or abbreviated expressions used in art, science, mathematics, or logic to represent technical data or quantities.

- Musical notation allows people to play the same song even if they have never heard it before.
- The mathematician developed a new notation to simplify the representation of complex multidimensional vectors.

Usage: Often used with a qualifying adjective like 'musical', 'mathematical', or 'scientific'.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse this with 'note'. Remind them that 'notation' usually refers to the whole system of symbols, not just one single mark.

### 2. a short written note

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a short note or comment written down to record information.

For teachers: a specific note, mark, or piece of information recorded within a system of representation.

- The lawyer made a small notation in the margin of the contract.
- Upon reviewing the medical records, the doctor found a brief notation regarding the patient's previous allergic reaction to penicillin.

Usage: Countable in this sense.

Teaching tip: This sense is quite formal. In everyday conversation, most people would simply say 'note' or 'comment'.

## Examples

- The student struggled to read the complex musical notation.
- Standard mathematical notation allows researchers from different countries to understand each other's formulas without a common spoken language.
- While the composer's early works followed traditional structures, his later scores utilized a graphic notation that gave the performers significant freedom to interpret the timing and pitch of each phrase.

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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.