notification
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /nˌəʊtɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌnoʊtəfəˈkeɪʃən/
Description
- alert
- message
- notice
- update
A notification is a message or signal that lets you know something has happened. Think of it like a little messenger! Your phone sends notifications when you get a text, your email program notifies you of new messages, and even smoke detectors notify you of danger with a loud beep.
Notifications are not always digital. A letter in the mail can be a notification, and so can a formal announcement. The key idea is that information is being delivered to you to let you know about something important, or sometimes something small. You might receive a notification, or your device might send one.
A notification is a message or warning that tells someone about an event, fact, or change. It is one way people and systems share updates, alerts, or reminders. In the digital age, we often get many notifications, from social media updates and app reminders to breaking news headlines. These are usually pop-ups on a screen, sounds, or vibrations designed to grab your attention. For example: "I turned off all non-essential notifications so I could focus."
However, the idea goes far beyond technology. It can also mean any formal message that gives someone important information. A legal notice is a type of formal notification. A landlord might send tenants a notification about a rent increase, or a school might send out a notification about a snow day.
The context determines what kind of notification you are dealing with. Is it an urgent alert that needs immediate action, or just a friendly reminder? A good notification should be clear, brief, and relevant to the person receiving it. Because too many notifications can become overwhelming, people often choose to ignore or disable them. Whether it is a ping on your phone, a letter in the mail, or an official announcement, a notification is really about delivering information and keeping you informed.
Examples
- 1
Banking alert
I got a notification from my bank this morning.
- 2
Workplace reminder
Please check your notifications before the meeting starts.
- 3
Messaging app
The app sends a notification when someone messages you.
- 4
Phone settings
I turned off notifications because my phone kept buzzing.
- 5
Notification settings
You can choose whether to receive email notifications or push notifications.
Phrase
push notification
a message that appears on your phone or computer screen
- 6
Formal notice
We received official notification of the change last week.
Pattern
notification of + change/event
formal news or information about it
- 7
Payment status
The system will show a notification that your payment was successful.
- 8
Rental notice
Tenants must give 30 days' notification before moving out.
Phrase
thirty days' notification
telling someone thirty days before something happens
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- notificationnoun
Forms
- notificationspluralnoun