Notions Definition: What the Word Actually Means

Notions most commonly means one of two things: either a general belief, idea, or opinion a person holds (as in “preconceived notions”), or, in sewing and fashion, the small tools and trims like buttons, thread, and zippers used to finish a garment. The correct meaning depends entirely on context.

The word also carries a distinct, informal meaning in Ireland, where “having notions” means acting like you think you’re better than everyone else. In French, “notions” usually refers to basic or introductory knowledge of a subject.

Quick Detail

Field	Information
Word	Notion / Notions
Part of speech	Noun (usually plural when meaning sewing supplies or basic knowledge)
Core meaning	An idea, belief, or vague understanding
Sewing meaning	Small tools and trims used to make or finish clothing
Irish slang meaning	Thinking too highly of yourself; putting on airs
French meaning	Basic or elementary knowledge of a subject
Tone	Neutral in general use; can be dismissive as slang
Related terms	Idea, concept, belief, haberdashery

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So, What Does Notions Mean in Simple Terms?

At its root, a notion is a mental idea. It can be vague, half-formed, or firmly held.

You can have a notion that something is true without solid proof. You can also have a notion, meaning a plan or impulse, like a sudden notion to take a walk.

Merriam-Webster and other major dictionaries define the singular “notion” this way: a general idea, an individual’s conception of something, or a whim. The word comes from the Latin notio, meaning “a mental concept” or “getting to know,” which explains why it always relates to thought or knowledge in some form.

Notion turns into something entirely different once it becomes plural in certain settings. That is where most of the confusion around this word comes from.

Notions Can Mean More Than One Thing

Because “notions” behaves differently depending on where it’s used, it helps to separate the meanings clearly rather than blending them.

• Notion (idea): A belief, opinion, or mental impression. Example: “She had a notion that the plan would fail.”
• Notions (sewing and fashion): Small items like buttons, zippers, thread, and pins used in garment making.
• Notions (Irish slang): Acting self-important or putting on airs.
• Notions (French): Basic, introductory knowledge of a subject, as in des notions d’anglais.
• Notions (philosophy, especially in French education): Core themes or topics studied in a course, such as the notions covered in a philosophy curriculum.

The section headings below walk through each of these in order, starting with the one most people are actually searching for.

Preconceived Notions: What This Common Phrase Means

A preconceived notion is an opinion or assumption formed before someone actually has enough evidence or firsthand experience to support it.

It’s usually used critically, to point out that someone judged a situation, person, or topic unfairly, based on assumption rather than fact.

Example: “He walked into the interview with a preconceived notion that the company was disorganized, but he was wrong.”

Related phrases work the same way:

• Misleading notions: Ideas that create a false or inaccurate impression, often unintentionally.
• Common notions: Beliefs that a large group of people generally accept as true, whether or not they are accurate.
• Moral notions: A person’s or culture’s underlying beliefs about right and wrong.
• Romantic notions: Idealized, often unrealistic, ideas about love or relationships.
• Idle notions: Passing thoughts or whims with no real substance behind them.
• Wild notions: Far-fetched or unreasonable ideas.

Note: None of these phrases change the core meaning of “notion.” They simply add a qualifier that describes what kind of idea it is.

Sewing Notions Definition: What This Means in Fashion and Textiles

In sewing, textiles, and the fashion industry, notions refers to the small supplies used to construct, close, or finish a garment, separate from the actual fabric.

This is an entirely different meaning from “an idea,” and it’s one of the most searched versions of this word.

Common sewing notions include:

• Buttons, snaps, and hooks
• Zippers
• Thread and bobbins
• Pins and needles
• Elastic
• Bias tape and trim
• Seam rippers
• Tailor’s chalk and marking tools

At a Glance: Sewing Notions

Category	Examples
Closures	Buttons, zippers, snaps, hook and eye
Tools	Pins, needles, seam rippers, chalk
Trims	Ribbon, lace, bias tape, elastic
Thread supplies	Sewing thread, bobbins

This term is mainly used in American English. In British English, the equivalent word is haberdashery. A fabric or craft store will usually have a specific “notions” section or “notions department” where all of these small items are grouped together, separate from bolts of fabric.

Where the Word “Notions” Came From in Sewing

The sewing meaning of “notions” grew out of the same Latin root as the general meaning, notio, referring to a concept or small piece of knowledge.

Over time, English speakers began applying “notions” to small, miscellaneous goods, and by the 19th century, the term had become firmly attached to sewing and haberdashery supplies in American stores. The older phrase “Yankee notions” once referred to small manufactured American goods sold by traveling peddlers.

Tip: If you see “notions” used with words like buttons, thread, zippers, or a “notions wall” in a fabric store, you’re looking at the sewing meaning, not the idea meaning.

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Notions Fabric and Notions Shop: Related Retail Terms

A notions shop or notions department is simply a store or section of a store that sells small sewing supplies rather than fabric by the yard.

“Notions fabric” is a slightly looser phrase some shoppers use, but it usually still points back to trims and small sewing items, not the fabric itself. If you’re shopping and see a shelf labeled “notions,” expect buttons, zippers, and thread rather than yardage.

Irish Definition of Notions: A Completely Different Meaning

In Ireland, “having notions” does not mean having an idea. It means thinking too highly of yourself, showing off, or acting above your social station.

This is a strong piece of Irish slang, and it can range from lighthearted teasing to a real social criticism.

Example in a sentence: “He got a fancy new car and started acting like he owns the town. He’s full of notions.”

How Is “Notions” Actually Used in Ireland?

• It’s typically used to gently mock someone who is showing off.
• It can describe a person, an object, or even a situation (“that garden shed has notions”).
• Saying someone has “serious notions” intensifies the criticism.
• It reflects a cultural value around modesty and not appearing to think you’re better than your neighbors.

Note: This Irish usage has softened over time. It used to strictly criticize people acting above their class. Today it’s often used more playfully, for example about someone overdressing for a casual event.

There is also an older, regional Irish usage where “having a notion of” someone means having romantic or physical attraction to that person, though this sense is far less common in modern conversation.

Notions in French: Les Notions and Des Notions

In French, notion and its plural notions usually refer to basic, foundational knowledge of a subject, not to a belief or opinion.

Formal meaning: Avoir des notions de quelque chose means to have a basic or elementary grasp of a subject, without being an expert.

In simple words: If you say “j’ai des notions d’anglais,” you’re saying you know some English, but not fluently.

French also uses notion in a more academic or philosophical sense, close to the English “concept.” In this context, a notion is an idea or category formed by the mind to help organize and understand something.

Notions Philo and Notions Philo Terminale

In the French education system, especially in the final year of secondary school known as Terminale, the philosophy curriculum is organized around a set list of major “notions.”

These are the broad themes students are expected to study and be able to discuss, such as consciousness, freedom, justice, truth, and happiness. When students or teachers refer to “notions philo terminale,” they mean this official list of philosophical themes covered on the exam.

Notions Connexes

Notions connexes translates to “related notions” or “connected concepts.” It’s used in academic and reference writing to point readers toward other ideas that are closely linked to the one currently being discussed.

Notions Definition for Kids: A Simple Explanation

For a younger audience, the everyday meaning of “notion” can be explained simply: a notion is an idea or thought in your head. It doesn’t have to be a big idea. It can be a small guess, a feeling, or a plan.

Example for kids: “I had a notion that it might rain, so I brought my umbrella.”

This simple explanation covers the general meaning without touching the more specialized sewing, Irish, or French uses, which are unlikely to come up in a children’s context.

Is Notions The Same As Concept?

Not exactly. The two words overlap, but they aren’t fully interchangeable.

Term	Meaning	Typical Use	Key Difference
Notion	A general or vague idea, belief, or impression	Everyday conversation, casual thought	Often less formal, less developed than a full concept
Concept	A clearly defined, structured idea or category	Academic, scientific, or technical writing	Usually more precise and well-established

Quick takeaway: A notion can be the early, rougher version of a concept. Once an idea becomes clearly defined and widely understood, it often gets called a concept instead.

What Does Notions Look Like In A Sentence?

Seeing the word used in different contexts makes the meaning clearer than a definition alone.

• General idea: “I have a notion that she already knows the answer.”
• Preconceived notion: “Don’t let old notions about the neighborhood stop you from visiting.”
• Sewing notion: “Pick up some thread and buttons from the notions aisle.”
• Irish slang: “Since he got promoted, he’s had notions about himself.”
• French, basic knowledge: “Elle a des notions de comptabilité.”
• Casual whim: “He suddenly had a notion to repaint the kitchen.”

Before You Use “Notions,” Remember This

The word “notions” changes meaning completely depending on context, and mixing them up can confuse a reader.

• “Notions” in a craft store means sewing supplies, not ideas.
• “Having notions” in Irish conversation is a criticism, not a compliment.
• “Des notions” in French signals basic knowledge, not full opinions or beliefs.

Tip: If the sentence is about buttons, thread, or a fabric store, you’re safely in the sewing meaning. If it’s about a person’s attitude or behavior, especially in an Irish context, it’s the slang meaning.

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Is “Notions” Formal, Informal Or Slang?

• The general meaning (idea, belief) is standard, neutral English and appears in formal writing.
• The sewing and haberdashery meaning is standard industry terminology, used in retail, manufacturing, and craft contexts.
• The Irish “having notions” meaning is informal slang, appropriate in casual conversation but not formal writing.
• The French academic meaning is neutral and appears in both everyday and academic French.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does notions mean in simple terms?

A notion is a general idea, belief, or impression a person holds, which can be vague or firmly believed depending on the situation.

What does notions mean in sewing?

In sewing, notions are the small tools and trims, such as buttons, zippers, thread, and pins, used to construct or finish a garment.

What does having notions mean in Ireland?

In Irish slang, having notions means acting like you think you’re better than other people, often by showing off or putting on airs.

What is the difference between notions and haberdashery?

Notions is the American English term for small sewing supplies, while haberdashery is the equivalent British English term for the same category of items.

What does des notions mean in French?

In French, des notions means having a basic or elementary level of knowledge about a subject, without being an expert.

Are preconceived notions always negative?

Preconceived notions are usually described negatively, since the phrase points out that a belief was formed before real evidence or experience supported it.

What are notions philo in the French school system?

Notions philo refers to the official list of philosophy themes, such as freedom, consciousness, and justice, that students study for the Terminale philosophy exam.

Is notion the same as concept?

Not exactly. A notion is often a looser, more general idea, while a concept is usually a more clearly defined and structured version of that same idea.

Where would I find notions in a fabric store?

Notions are usually grouped together in a specific section or wall of a fabric or craft store, separate from the fabric sold by the yard.

Can notions refer to romantic feelings?

In some older or regional Irish usage, having a notion of someone can mean being romantically or physically attracted to them, though this is less common today.

Last Words

Notions is one word with several distinct lives. In everyday English, it means an idea or belief. In sewing and fashion, it means small tools like buttons and thread. In Ireland, it’s slang for acting self-important. In French, it usually means basic knowledge of a subject.