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notion

/ˈnəʊʃən/ · no·tion
noun
  1. A mental apprehension of whatever may be known, thought, or imagined; an idea or concept. She had only a vague notion of how the new software would function.
  2. A sentiment or opinion; a belief held by someone. His notion that hard work guarantees success is shared by many of his colleagues.
  3. A sense or mind; the faculty of perceiving or understanding. The philosopher examined the notion of self in early modern thought.
  4. A small accessory or item, especially in sewing, such as a button, thread, or pin. The craft store stocked a wide range of notions, from zippers to elastic.
Did you know? In the world of sewing, "notions" refers to the small accessories—like buttons and zippers—that are essential for garment construction, a usage that dates back to the 19th century.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 2 lookups Added Jul 25, 2026