- 1[countable] a short piece of writing to help you to remember something Please make a note of the dates. She made a mental note (= decided that she must remember) to ask Alan about it.
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short letter - 2[countable] a short informal letter Just a quick note to say thank you for a wonderful evening. She left a note for Ben on the kitchen table.
- 3[countable] a short comment on a word or passage in a book a new edition of “Hamlet,” with explanatory notes See note 3, page 259. see footnote information
- 4notes [plural] information that you write down when someone is speaking, or when you are reading a book, etc. He sat taking notes on everything that was said. Can I borrow your lecture notes?
- 5[countable, usually plural] information about a performance, an actor's career, a piece of music, etc. printed in a special book or on a CD case, DVD, etc. The liner notes include a short biography of the performers on this recording. The catalog contains detailed notes on each painting. in music
- 6[countable] a single sound of a particular length and pitch (= how high or low the sound is), made by the voice or a musical instrument; the written or printed sign for a musical note He played the first few notes of the tune. high/low notes quality
- 7[singular] note (of something) a particular quality in something, for example in someone's voice or the atmosphere at an event synonym air There was a note of amusement in his voice. The year ended on an optimistic note. On a more serious note (= speaking more seriously), … On a slightly different note (= changing the subject slightly), let's talk about…
- 8[countable] an official document with a particular purpose a sick note from your doctor The buyer has to sign a delivery note as proof of receipt. Students returning to school after absence must bring a note from their parents. see promissory note
- 9[countable] (technology) an official letter from the representative of one government to another an exchange of diplomatic notes Idioms
to remind you
if two or more people compare notes, they each say what they think about the same event, situation, etc. We saw the play separately and compared notes afterward.
to do, say, or write something that is suitable/not suitable for a particular occasion It is a bizarre tale and the author hits just the right note of horror and disbelief.
of importance or of great interest a scientist of note The museum contains nothing of great note.
to express feelings or opinions of a particular kind She sounded a note of caution in her speech. The touch of cynicism struck a slightly sour note.
to pay attention to something and be sure to remember it Take note of what he says. Under the new rules the penalty for illegal play is increased. Players take note.
Check pronunciation: note