N.B. Meaning and Punctuation
NB/N.B. is used before important information to draw a reader’s attention; Collins identifies it with Latin “nota bene” and documents multiple capitalization/punctuation forms.
“NB” or “N.B.” introduces an important note—literally the traditional “nota bene” convention. Both punctuated and unpunctuated forms are documented, so follow house style and keep the choice consistent.
Key details
Important caveats
Punctuation Boundary
Collins documents NB, N.B., nb, and n.b.; punctuation and capitalization therefore depend on style rather than a single universal form.
Usage Boundary
Because NB is formal and may be unfamiliar to some readers, plain-language “Note:” can be clearer in general business communication.
Further guidance
Meaning
Cambridge documents NB as a formal marker placed before important information; Collins identifies NB/N.B. with “nota bene.”
Practical Application
Use NB/N.B. only when you genuinely need to flag an important note, and follow the document’s selected punctuation/capitalization style consistently. In reader-facing prose, consider a plain label such as “Note:” when the Latin abbreviation could slow comprehension.
Reader Check
Will the intended audience recognize NB immediately, and does the surrounding document already establish whether periods are used?
Worked Example
A house style may write “NB: Registration closes Friday” or “N.B.: Registration closes Friday.” Do not alternate between forms within the same document without a reason.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- NB — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Dictionary use of NB before important information that readers should notice
- Nota bene — Collins English Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Collins English Dictionary · Nota bene meaning and documented variants NB, N.B., nb, and n.b.