What does note mean?
A note is a short written or spoken message, a brief record, or an observation that is worth preserving or mentioning. In everyday communication, someone may leave a note for another person or send one by email or messaging app. In more formal contexts, note can mean a short written observation, a reminder, or a comment in a document; "take note of" means to become aware of something and consider it important. As a verb, note means to observe or mention something, often in a measured or careful way. It can also refer to recording information, especially a musical pitch or part of an official record. Because note is short, adaptable, and less formal than memorandum or commentary, it appears widely in education, offices, publishing, music, and personal communication. Its basic idea is simple: something is briefly written, spoken, or observed so that it is not overlooked.
A short written or spoken message, especially one left for someone to read or used to communicate brief information.
"She left a note asking whether anyone had seen the missing folder."
The word is neutral in register and is common in personal, workplace, and electronic communication.
A written observation, comment, or brief record of something.
"The report contains a useful note on regional differences in usage."
In academic and professional writing, note often means a concise comment or observation.
To observe, notice, or mention something.
"The reviewer noted several potential improvements to the proposal."
The verb can suggest careful attention or simply recording a fact.
To write a short message, annotation, or record.
"The editor noted the passage for clarification before publication."
This use is especially common in editorial, academic, and administrative contexts.
The plural notes is standard and commonly refers to multiple messages, observations, comments, or musical indications.
"The instructor left notes on the revised manuscript."
The word note is a reminder in sound and spelling: it points to something written down so that it will not be forgotten.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does note come from?
The English word note comes through Old French note from Latin nota, meaning a mark or sign, a word related to notus, meaning known or recognizable. In English, it developed the meanings of a brief written message and a small observation or piece of information. The musical sense arose from the idea of indicating a pitch by a written symbol. Many English words sharing this root, including notation, notify, and notable, developed from related Latin forms based on the idea of marking or making known.
Related word forms
How note is actually used
In its most common modern senses, note is neutral and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. The phrase "take note of" is formal or professional, while "just a note" is especially common in electronic messages and workplace communication. As a verb, note can imply careful observation or simply recording information, depending on context.
Easily confused with note
A note is a concrete message or observation, whereas a notion is an idea or belief that may be expressed in words.
A note is a message or observation, while a vote is a formal expression of choice.