Phrase guide

Cornell notes

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A note-taking method where a sheet of paper is divided into three sections: one for questions (taking a left half of the sheet), one for notes related to the question (taking a right half), and one for a summary of the page (taking up a bottom section).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: plural, plural-only

Examples

  • Your notes must follow the Cornell notes format.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Notes taken using this method.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: plural, plural-only

Examples

  • Taking Cornell notes is a real pain because I have to draw the lines on the paper every time.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

The method was devised by a professor at Cornell University.