Note
/noʊt/
Definitions
6 meaningsA brief record of something written down or a piece of information recorded for later use; a written message.
/noʊt/
A short written record.
She jotted down a note about the important meeting details.
💡 Simply: It's like a little message you write to yourself or a friend, or something you write down so you won't forget it. Like when you write down what you need to buy at the store or write down details from a story.
👶 For kids: A 'note' is like writing down a reminder or a message.
More Examples
Could you please make a note of this phone number?
The artist sketched a note about the lighting in the scene.
How It's Used
"I took a note during the meeting."
"The musician played a high note on the trumpet."
A short letter or message, often informal.
/noʊt/
A short letter.
She wrote a thank-you note to her friend.
💡 Simply: It's like a quick letter you write to someone, like saying hello or giving them some quick info. It's like sending a tiny text, but on paper!
👶 For kids: A little paper message.
More Examples
He slipped a note under her door.
The teacher sent a note home to the parents.
How It's Used
"He left a note for her on the kitchen table."
"The CEO sent a note to all employees."
A single sound of a particular pitch, or the symbol representing such a sound in musical notation.
/noʊt/
A particular sound or musical tone.
The choir hit all the notes perfectly.
💡 Simply: In music, it is each single sound that you play. Like a specific 'do', 're', or 'mi'. It's how music is written down.
👶 For kids: A sound you make when you sing or play an instrument.
More Examples
The song was composed of only a few simple notes.
He had difficulty hitting the high note.
How It's Used
"She sang a high note."
"He played the wrong note on his instrument."
A characteristic quality or feeling.
/noʊt/
A feeling or quality.
There was a note of sarcasm in her reply.
💡 Simply: It's like a little feeling that comes through. You can hear a note of happiness in someone's voice, or a note of concern.
👶 For kids: A feeling or sound that is special to you.
More Examples
The painting had a note of melancholy.
The critic detected a note of political satire in the play.
How It's Used
"There was a note of sadness in his voice."
To pay attention to; to observe or notice something.
/noʊt/
To pay attention or notice.
The teacher noted the student's improvement.
💡 Simply: It means to really look and see something, or to pay attention to something. Like 'Did you *note* that big red car?'
👶 For kids: To see or notice something.
More Examples
She noted the time of the event.
He carefully noted the details of the crime scene.
How It's Used
"I noted his absence."
"The judge noted the defendant's statement."
To write down, record, or make a note of something.
/noʊt/
To make a written record.
He noted down her phone number.
💡 Simply: To write something down so you can remember it later. Like when you take notes in school.
👶 For kids: To write something down so you can remember it.
More Examples
She noted the date and time in her diary.
The reporter noted every detail of the interview.
How It's Used
"I noted the main points during the lecture."
Synonyms
Memo
Message
Letter
Pitch
Element
Feeling
Notice
Observe
Perceive
Document
Idioms & expressions
take note (of something)
To pay attention to something; to observe or notice something.
"Please take note of the safety instructions."
compare notes
To exchange information or ideas.
"After the meeting, they compared notes on what had been discussed."
a note of caution
A warning or advice to be careful about something.
"The doctor added a note of caution about the side effects."
From Middle English *note*, from Old French *note*, from Latin *nota* ('a mark, sign, character').
The word 'note' has been used in English since the late 13th century, initially referring to a mark or sign. Its usage expanded to include short written records and musical sounds.
Memory tip
Think of taking notes in class to remember important details.