the act of naming something with a word; the actual object or idea to which the word refers compare connotation denotational  jump to other results NAmE//ˌdinoʊˈteɪʃənl//  adjectiveCheck pronunciation [..]

1530s, "indication," from Late Latin denotationem (nominative denotatio), noun of action from past participle stem of denotare (see denote). As a term in logic, from 1843 (contrasted with co [..]

The minimal, strict definition of a word as found in a dictionary, disregarding any historical or emotional connotation. Contrast with connotation.

The dictionary meaning of a word. Writers typically play off a word's denotative meaning against its connotations, or suggested and implied associational implications. In the following lines from Peter Meinke's "Advice to My Son" the references to flowers and fruit, bread and wine denote specific things, but also suggest somethi [..]

a word’s direct and literal meaning, as opposed to its connotation.

The literal sense of a word or its strict dictionary definition, as opposed to connotation which refers to the attitudes, emotions and values which may be usually evoked by the word, or which may be evoked by it in a specific context.

The actual meaning of a word or expression (for the opposite term, see connotation).

 – the dictionary definition of a word

 the dictionary meaning of a word

Denotation, as a noun, means that which is marked or signified. As a verb, to denote means to specify, signify or point out.

(n) the act of indicating or pointing out by name(n) the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression; the class of objects that an expression refers to

A denotation of a word or phrase is its literal meaning, or the meaning defined by a literary authority (such as a dictionary). This is in contrast to the word’s connotation.

The explicit meaning of a word or expression.

The relationship between a word and the non-linguistic, 'outside' world. For instance one could say that the denotation of cup is a small vessel-like object for holding beverages.

the precise/actual meaning of a word outside of the feelings it evokes; the dictionary meaning of a word or phrase. In fiction writing, writers will play off a word's denotative meaning against i [..]

The act of denoting, or something (such as a symbol) that denotes (logic,linguistics|semiotics) The primary, literal, or explicit meaning of a word, phrase, or symbol; that which a word denotes, a [..]

The denotation is the literal, straightforward meaning of a word. We're talking dictionary definition. The word cat denotes an animal with four legs and a habit of coughing up furballs. Snooze.Re [..]