annotation

noun

an·​no·​ta·​tion ˌa-nə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce annotation (audio)
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 narrative element becomes marginalized and reduced to having good headlines or annotations. Brent Dykes, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Judge Trust seemed unimpressed with these documents, which had apparently not been entered into evidence, and the handwritten annotations in the margins. Jacob Bernstein, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2024 Here is the full text of his prepared speech along with annotations by IndyStar reporters Kayla Dwyer and Brittany Carloni. Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 10 Jan. 2024 The photo annotations are sourced from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands project. Theodora Yu, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2024 The software aggregates and analyzes the data and reports back to the hospitals with insights on protocol compliance, efficiency, safety audits, quality controls, and key video and audio clips for review, annotation, and education. Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 16 Jan. 2024 An annotation is a confidential marking intended to alert a bishop to someone whose conduct has threatened the well-being of other people or the church. Jessica Miller, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 Aug. 2023 Bouncers and prostitutes and small-time gangsters appear with filthy annotations; Black and Turkish residents of Brussels, not to mention colonists in pith helmets, also recur in his scenes of clubs and bars. Jason Farago, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023 Excellent annotation inside the gatefold jacket offers an interesting history of the tape and a guide to the set’s nuances. Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'annotation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see annotate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of annotation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near annotation

Cite this Entry

“Annotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annotation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

annotation

noun
an·​no·​ta·​tion ˌan-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce annotation (audio)
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 How to pronounce annotation (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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