- 1 [countable] a short piece of writing to help you remember something Please make a note of the dates. She made a mental note (= decided that she must remember) to ask Alan about it. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivebrief, copious, detailed, … verb + notejot down, keep, make, … prepositionnote of, note on phrasesmake a mental note (of something/to do something) See full entry 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. a suicide note Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivebrief, little, quick, … verb + notescribble (somebody), write (somebody), send (somebody), … phrasesa note of thanks See full entry See related entries: Types of text in book
- 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 also footnote Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivedetailed, extensive, explanatory, … See full entry information
- 4 notes [plural] information that you write down when somebody is speaking, or when you are reading a book, etc. He sat taking notes of everything that was said. Can I borrow your lecture notes? Patients' medical notes have gone missing. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivebrief, copious, detailed, … verb + notejot down, keep, make, … prepositionnote of, note on phrasesmake a mental note (of something/to do something) See full entry
- 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, record cover, etc. The sleeve notes include a short biography of the performers on this recording. The catalogue contains detailed notes on each painting. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivedetailed, extensive, explanatory, … See full entry money
- 6 (British English) (also banknote especially in British English) (usually North American English bill) [countable] a piece of paper money a £5 note We only exchange notes and traveller's cheques. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivefive-pound, ten-euro, etc., … … of notesbundle, roll, wad, … See full entry See related entries: Cost and payment in music
- 7 [countable] a single sound of a particular length and pitch (= how high or low a 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 Wordfindersingbeat, harmony, melody, music, note, rhythm, sing, tempo, tone, vocal Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivehigh, top, low, … verb + noteplay, sing, hit, … See full entry See related entries: Describing music quality
- 8[singular] note (of something) a particular quality in something, for example in somebody’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… Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivebrighter, cheerful, happier, … verb + notehit, sound, strike, … note + verbcreep into somebody’s voice, enter somebody’s voice prepositionnote of phrasesa note in somebody’s voice See full entry official document
- 9[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 also credit note, promissory note
- 10[countable] (specialist) an official letter from the representative of one government to another an exchange of diplomatic notes Word OriginMiddle English (in sense 6 of the noun and both verb senses): from Old French note (noun), noter (verb), from Latin nota ‘a mark’, notare ‘to mark’.Extra examples He sounded a cautionary note. He took careful note of the suspicious-looking man in the corner of the bar. His opening remarks struck the right note. His remarks injected a note of levity into the proceedings. I detected a faint note of weariness in his voice. I saw you two passing notes during class. I’ve made a note of the book’s title. Just a quick note to wish you luck. Let’s compare notes on our experiences. Never write your password on a sticky note! On a brighter note… On a completely unrelated note… She kept detailed notes of her travels. She left me a note to say my dinner was in the oven. She made a mental note to call them in the morning. She’s a bit wobbly on the top notes. The booklet has full notes on each artist. The conference ended on an optimistic note. The frescoes are worthy of note. There was a sad note in her voice. a thick wad of notes I left a note for Judith on her desk. I played a lot of wrong notes because I was so nervous. It is suspicious that he did not leave a suicide note. She played the first few notes of the tune on the piano. Some of the high notes were difficult for him to sing.Idioms
noun jump to other results
BrE BrE//nəʊt//; NAmE NAmE//noʊt//
Cost and payment, Types of text, Describing music
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 afterwards.
(especially British English) 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 warning 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
