'annotation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'annotātiō,' where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'notāre' meant 'to mark.'

'annotātiō' transformed into the French word 'annotation,' and eventually became the modern English word 'annotation' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a marking or noting,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a note or comment added to a text.'