the explicit or direct meaning or set of meanings of a word or expression, as distinguished from the ideas or meanings associated with it or suggested by it; the association or set of associations that a word usually elicits for most speakers of a language, as distinguished from those elicited for any individual speaker because of personal experience. Compare connotation .

a word that names or signifies something specific

Wind is the denotation for air in natural motion. Poodle is the denotation for a certain breed of dog.

the act or fact of denoting; indication.

something that denotes; mark; symbol.

Logic .

the class of particulars to which a term is applicable.

that which is represented by a sign.

noun

implication , indication , signification , definition , meaningnotes:a word\'s denotation is its reference to the things it designates , its direct , explicit meaning; a word\'s connotation is things or attributes that the word brings to mind , any idea or notion suggested or associated with the word , acceptation , connotation , import , intent , message , purport , sense , significance , significancy , value , description , explanation , meaning , sign , signifying , symbol