annotation

noun

an·​no·​ta·​tion ˌa-nə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: a note added by way of comment or explanation

The bibliography was provided with helpful annotations.

2

: the act of annotating something

Examples of annotation in a Sentence

Without the annotations, the diagram would be hard to understand.

the author's annotation of the diagram

Recent Examples on the Web

The 167-page typescript has three pages written in pencil, with annotations and revisions by Wilson along with early AA member Hank Parkhurst, some in green and red pencil, some in ink. —Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 17 June 2026

The Times shared the historians’ observations with the White House, which declined to comment on the specific points in the annotations. —New York Times, 11 June 2026

Musicians can move through scores, make quick annotations, or adjust sections without breaking concentration. —William Jones, USA Today, 3 June 2026

The cycle from concept to production typically takes six to twelve months and costs hundreds of thousands of dollars in data annotation and computing alone. —Calvin Yadav, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see annotate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for annotation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

annotation

noun

an·​no·​ta·​tion ˌan-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of annotating

2

: a note added as a comment or explanation

Legal Definition

annotation

noun

an·​no·​ta·​tion ˌa-nə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: a note added (as to a statute) by way of comment or explanation often furnishing summaries of relevant court decisions

2

capitalized : an informational and descriptive note or essay (as about a case or legal issue) especially in American Law Reports