1 a [count] : a short piece of writing that is used to help someone remember something
▪ She wrote a note to remind herself about the appointment. ▪ I left you a note on the kitchen table. ▪ making/writing notes in the margins of a book ▪ She jotted down a few notes during the interview. ▪ I'll make a mental note [=I'll try to remember] to reschedule the meeting.
b notes [plural] : an informal written record of things that are said and done
▪ After class, I usually study my notes and read the next chapter. ▪ I can't come to class today. Would you mind taking notes for me? ▪ His secretary took notes during our meeting. 2 [count] a : a short piece of writing that gives you information : a brief comment or explanation
▪ Please include a brief note about where the picture was taken. ▪ He writes in the program notes that the play was inspired by his own childhood. ▪ The dictionary includes many usage notes. [=short explanations about how a word or phrase is used] ▪ One final note: tickets will be available at the door the night of the concert. — see also liner notes
b : a comment or added piece of information that is separate from the main writing of a book
▪ For further details, see the notes to Chapter 3. — see also footnote 3 [count] : a short and usually informal letter
▪ Remember to send a thank-you note to the host of the party. ▪ This is just a brief note to say how much I enjoyed your party. ▪ Drop me a note while you're away. ▪ I have a handwritten note here from the governor. ▪ If you are out sick for more than one week, you will need a note from your doctor. ▪ The girl's kidnappers left a ransom note. — see also mash note 4 [count] music a : a specific musical tone
▪ musical notes ▪ That note's a B not a C. ▪ Despite a few wrong notes, the pianist gave a generally good performance.
b : a written symbol that is used to show what note should be played and how long it should last — see also eighth note, half note, quarter note, sixteenth note, whole note 5 [singular] : a characteristic or quality that expresses a mood or feeling
▪ I detected a note of sadness in his voice. — often used after on ▪ Let's try to end our conversation on a lighter/happier note. ▪ If I may end on a personal note, I'd like to wish my father a happy 85th birthday! ▪ The party ended on a high note. [=the party ended pleasantly or well] ▪ Their relationship ended on a sour note. [=ended unpleasantly] — often used with hit, strike or sound ▪ The movie hits just the right note with young audiences. ▪ Her judgment rarely strikes a wrong note. ▪ In her chapter about rising oil prices, she sounds a cautionary note. ▪ Most reviewers loved the show, but one critic struck a discordant note, finding it “clichéd” and “predictable.” 6 [count] Brit : bill
▪ a ten-pound note